asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will make representations to the British Government and/or the Government of Northern Ireland to withdraw the Order prohibiting Irish people from remaining in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Citizens in Northern Ireland.
asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware of the action of the Government of Northern Ireland in refusing permits to remain in Northern Ireland to Irish citizens; if he will make a statement on this matter; and if, in view of the serious plight of many citizens who are forced to leave their employment in Northern Ireland and return home, he will make a protest against this action to the Government of Northern Ireland or direct to the British Government, bearing in mind the right of Irish citizens to live within their own country.
I propose to reply to Questions 2 and 3 together.
I would refer the Deputies to the replies I gave to the Parliamentary question and supplementary questions on this subject in the Dáil on the 15th November, 1945. On that occasion I stated our inalterable objections to legislation which violates the natural right of all Irish men and women to live and work in any part of Ireland. I had already made all possible representations to the British authorities on the injustice of any interference with this natural right. The British authorities have stated that the purpose of the Order is to protect the employment position of returning ex-Service men and that it will not be continued in force any longer than necessary for this purpose. Our attitude remains as stated, and I shall not fail to press for the earliest possible ending of the existing legislation.
Has the Minister made any representations against the recent Order?
I have told the Deputy exactly what the position is. I cannot give him any further information unless he asks a specific question.
I asked the Taoiseach if he had made any representations against the recent Order.
I told the Deputy that I made all possible representations on every possible occasion.
That is over a year ago.
Would it be possible for the Taoiseach to make representations to the Northern or British authorities on behalf of any Irish citizens who are at present undergoing a term of imprisonment in the North as a result of a breach of these regulations? Surely a citizen of this country deserves some protection from the Government. Would the Taoiseach consider sending a protest to the British or Northern authorities in this respect?
I shall have to get the details.