asked the Minister for External Affairs if, in view of the disinclination of many of our male nationals in Great Britain to serve in the armed forces of that country after two years' residence there, he will make representations to the British Government to secure for our citizens the same immunity from conscription as that enjoyed by the nationals of other countries working in Britain; and if he will consider having the matter raised at the Council of Europe if the British authorities are not prepared to alter their regulations at his request.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Conscription of Irish Nationals.
Nothing effective could be done in this matter through the Council of Europe.
The situation surrounding the conscription of Irish citizens resident in Britain has, as the Deputy may be aware, been set out fully in answers to questions of a similar nature, which were given by me on the 20th February, 1952; 6th May, 1952; 10th December, 1952; 4th February, 1953 and 30th April, 1953; by the former Taoiseach on the 15th December, 1948 and 3rd May, 1949, and the former Minister for External Affairs on the 9th June, 1949 and 13th July, 1949.