asked the Minister for Justice whether, in view of the fact that the Six-County Government has refused to allow the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen to hold a flag day in that area, he will take appropriate steps to withdraw similar facilities which are at present enjoyed by the British Legion in Southern Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen's Flag Day.
I am not aware that there has been any such refusal. In any case I would be very much opposed to any discrimination or retaliation of the kind suggested.
I have now in my possession a copy of the correspondence which has passed between the Secretary of the O.N.E. in Letterkenny, County Donegal, and the Minister for Home Affairs and the reply from the Minister for Home Affairs refusing permission to O.N.E. to hold their flag day in the Six Counties is clear and distinct. I can let the Taoiseach have the details.
What was the date applied for?
10th July, 1954.
It was applied for on the 10th April, 1954 and the Minister for Home Affairs replied to that application on the 27th April, 1954. The reference is P.4157. It clearly and distinctly refused any such permission.
I gather from what the Deputy has said that it is a branch of O.N.E., not the general organisation, that applied.
A branch secretary.
Not the general organisation?
That is correct.
That is so. Well, the answer I have made still stands.