I gave private notice that I intended asking the Taoiseach whether the Government proposed to make any special contribution to the funds of the Irish Red Cross to enable it to play its part in relieving suffering in Hungary and in assisting the Hungarian refugees.
Private Notice Question. - Relief for Hungary.
Mr. de Valera
The Irish Red Cross Society, out of the funds already available to them, have sent certain consignments to Austria for the relief of the people of Hungary and are in course of sending further consignments of clothing, food and medical supplies.
As was announced last night, the Society has launched a national appeal for funds to help Hungary, and a national collection for the purpose will be made throughout the country next Sunday.
The Deputy, the House and the country may rest assured that, to such extent as the Society's funds in hands, as supplemented by the proceeds of the national appeal and by the generous contributions in kind that the Society is receiving from our people, may prove insufficient, the Government will readily take steps to place the Society in funds to provide relief for the victims of the aggression in Hungary.
The part that it may be practicable for us to take in assisting the Hungarian refugees is being considered in consultation with the Irish Red Cross Society.
The Minister for External Affairs has already, this afternoon, given expression, in this House, to our feelings of sympathy with the people of Poland and Hungary, of admiration for the matchless courage they have displayed in their unequal struggle for freedom and human rights and of abhorrence of the ruthless measures of suppression to which the people of Hungary have been subjected. I have no doubt whatever that, by a generous response to the appeal of the Irish Red Cross Society, our people will show their practical sympathy with the Hungarian people in a manner more striking and effective than any action that it would be within the Government's power to take.
Mr. de Valera
While agreeing with that, the only question is time. Are there sufficient reserves to enable them to act quickly?
Yes.