asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defensive Measures if he will state why the publication in Aiséirighe of a letter written by Mr. Gearóid Ó Cuinneagáin to the editor of the Irish Press, correcting an erroneous report of a speech made by him at a meeting of Cómhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaedhilge, in Thurles on November 26th, 1944, and a personal reply to him by the editor of that paper, were stopped by the Censor.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Censorship of Letter.
In the letter referred to by the Deputy Mr. Ó Cuinneagáin supported the policy of discouraging the speaking of Irish generally by the people until such time as he would graciously permit them to do so, by making a subversive and disruptive statement regarding the Constitution. In consequence of this statement the correspondence was prohibited publication by the Press Censor under the Emergency Powers (No. 151) Order, 1942.
Is it a fact that even a reply from the editor of the Irish Press was also suppressed by the Censor?
My answer covers that supplementary.
Am I to understand that the reason for the suppression of this correspondence was that it might embarrass Mr. de Valera, senior, and Mr. de Valera, junior, who are directors of the Irish Press?
The question is quite irrelevant and I would also point out that a Deputy or Minister must be so styled.