asked the Minister for External Affairs whether, in view of the severity of the sentences imposed on three Irishmen in connection with the recent raid on Arborfield military depot, Berkshire, and the detrimental effect which such sentences may have on the solution of the Partition problem, he will urge the British Home Secretary to have the sentences reviewed at the earliest possible date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sentences on Irishmen.
While I share the view as to the severity of the sentences imposed on three Irishmen in connection with the recent raid on Arborfield military depot, Berkshire, I do not think the present is an opportune time to make the representations suggested.
May we take it that the Government have impressed on the British Government the fact that so long as the British Government insist on keeping her occupation troops in party of this country against the wishes of the majority of the people and so long as she persists in that action she will not get the co-operation and friendship which should normally exist between these two States and that similar actions are likely to be taken in future years by young men who have the same idea in their minds as we have, namely, the reunification of the country, the only difference being that they may differ from many in this House on the methods by which that reunion can be achieved? Has the Government impressed at any time recently on the British Government the necessity for removing these troops from the North so that goodwill can prevail between this country and Britain?
The Government loses no opportunity of impressing on the British Government the desirability of reunification.