asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the holding of public collections for secular objects in the immediate vicinity of churches on Sundays and holydays is objectionable; and if he will take steps to prohibit such collections.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Collections near Churches.
I have not received any complaints regarding such collections and I do not propose to take any action.
Is the Minister aware that the holding of a public collection for a political purpose outside a chapel gate imposes on citizens attending Divine Service the ordeal of publicly declaring their political views and that the imposition of such an ordeal is an obstacle to the free exercise of religion?
Is the Deputy speaking for the Church?
Mr. Boland
All I can say is that it is a very old custom. That is the way national movements got their funds for the last hundred years and I do not propose to change it. If the Deputy asks his neighbour about it, he will be told that in the West of Ireland his own Party get funds in this way.
It is an old Spanish custom.
Is the Minister aware that in rural areas and small communities this very objectionable practice is carried out to a degree amounting to intimidation and frequently to terrorism?
That is not true.
Mr. Boland
I have never heard any such suggestion.
The Minister must know that intimidation of that character is rampant throughout small areas.
Mr. Boland
I never heard that suggestion. People are never molested. If they want to contribute, they can do so.
This system of collecting funds is adopted not only by national organisations but by cultural organisations, by the G.A.A., the Gaelic League, charitable and other organisations. It is a practice that has been in operation as long as most of us can remember.
Is the Minister aware that the practice is particularly object-tionable when carried out by a political Party? In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory answer, I propose raising this matter on the adjournment.
Are the Deputy's supporters ashamed of their political convictions?