andMr. Palmer asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware that citizens of the Republic of Ireland of immature age attended the youth rally in Berlin held in August of this year and fraternised with the avowed enemies of Christianity; whether he will state if passports were issued to these people, and, if so, the date of issue and whether they were valid for travel behind the Iron Curtain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Berlin Youth Rally.
Irish passports are valid for a period of five years from the date of issue. Passports are not granted to persons under 21 years of age except with the consent of responsible parents or guardians. No passports were granted for the express purpose of attending the youth rally in Berlin last August but, as far as I am aware, 18 holders of Irish passports issued over the past four years attended the Berlin rally.
Could the Minister tell me if it is a fact that a passport was issued to a civil servant from the Department of Agriculture and a visa as well to go to the youth rally?
The Deputy would have to give me notice of that question.
Is the Minister aware that a member of the staff of the Irish Press attended that rally?
They have attended queerer places than that—including Fine Gael conventions.