asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware that the British War Office when notifying relatives of citizens of Eire who are killed in the British armed forces refer to their having died in the defence of their country, and if he will make representations to the British authorities on this point.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Notification of War Deaths.
I have no knowledge of the terms in which such notifications are sent.
It appears strange that the Taoiseach is not aware of the fact that on each occasion a communication is sent to the next-of-kin of persons killed in the present war stating that they have been killed in the service of their country. If such a case is brought to the Taoiseach's notice, will he promise to make representations with a view to ceasing this practice?
I will not deal with a hypothetical question. If the Deputy has a copy of any such communication and gives it to me, I will know at least what the terms are. If they are as suggested by the Deputy, and that State action had to be taken, quite a different line would have to be followed from that suggested by the Deputy.
Meantime we might let the dead rest.
Does the Taoiseach think that these people died in the service of their country?
I am not asked to express any opinion and I do not propose to express any.