asked the Minister for External Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the report in the Press of the 27th January last of a case in Armagh in which an Irishman was charged with and convicted of displaying the Irish flag; and, if so, whether he proposes to make any statement in relation to the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Display of National Flag.
I have seen the report referred to by the Deputy. As soon as my attention was drawn to the Press reports in question, I made inquiries to satisfy myself that the facts were as stated. A strong protest was then made to the British Government on the 31st January last. It was pointed out that the continuance of a state of affairs wherein a law was in existence, and enforced, which purported to render it a criminal offence to display the Irish flag in Ireland was provocative and caused deep offence to Irish national sentiment.
It was further pointed out that, while the Irish Government did not admit Britain's claim to exercise jurisdiction over any portion of Ireland, the British Government must, nevertheless, by purporting to include a portion of Ireland in the United Kingdom, accept responsibility for such laws and such actions.
Would the Minister state whether there is in any other portion of the world a law in existence making it an offence to display a national flag.
I am not aware that the display of a national flag is a criminal offence in any other portion of the world.