asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he is aware that an agreement concerning compensation for British property rights and interests affected by various Czechoslovak measures of nationalisation, expropriation, dispossession, or other restrictive measures, was signed by representatives of the British Government and of the Government of Czechoslovakia on the 28th September, 1949; and if he will state (1) whether the Irish Government have made any agreement of a similar nature with the Government of Czechoslovakia, or (2) what steps, if any, he proposes to take to safeguard the interests of Irish citizens affected by the various Czechoslovak measures.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Czechoslovak Agreement.
I am aware of the provisions of the agreement of the 28th September, 1949, between the British and Czechoslovakian Governments referred to by the Deputy. As the agreement itself states, it was made in consideration of the Trade and Finance Agreement signed between Britain and Czechoslovakia on the same day.
No similar agreement has been made between Ireland and Czechoslovakia. I am, however, making every possible effort, through the usual official channels, to obtain satisfaction for Irish citizens whose interests have suffered by measures of nationalisation and expropriation in Czechoslovakia.