asked the Taoiseach if it was with his approval or consent that a member of the Government recently attended a commemoration ceremony at which, according to a newspaper report, an appeal was made for support of an illegal organisation, and if he will state what is the Government's policy on this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Minister's Attendance at Commemoration Ceremony.
Mr. Boland
The attendance of a member of the Government at a public function does not require the approval or consent of the Taoiseach and no question of giving or withholding such approval or consent arises. A Minister who attends a function is not responsible for any statements that may be made by other persons present.
Mr. Boland
Might I ask if at this particular commemoration an address is made in which recruits are asked for an illegal organisation, is not the presence of a Minister tantamount to helping that appeal and does it not lend countenance to it? Are we to take it that that is to be tolerated and that the question of collective responsibility will not arise in such a matter as that?
Does the Deputy object to the attendance of a Minister at a function commemorating his father's death?
In answer to Deputy Boland's query, I would like to recall to his attention the fact that the particular Minister to whom he refers attended this function for the last 25 years prior to his becoming a Minister.
Mr. Boland
I have to press the Taoiseach for a declaration as to whether that is right and as to whether he approves of a Minister of State attending a meeting at which recruits were asked for an illegally armed organisation?
In answer to that question, I would say that the attendance of the Minister at that particular function was more conducive to the advancement of peace and good citizenship in this State than the Deputy's original question and his supplementaries.
Mr. Boland
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Taoiseach's reply, I wish to raise this matter on the adjournment.
Another opportunity for more nonsense.