asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he has received representations from the Private Motorists' Protection Association concerning the issue of triptyques, and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Issue of Triptyques.
The Private Motorists' Protection Association was in communication with my Department from 1953 to early 1955 concerning their desire to secure international recognition as a National Motoring Association. Representations to have the association accepted as an affiliated member were made to the two international organisations concerned, namely, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, Paris, and the Alliance Internationale de Tourisme, Geneva. In reply, each of the organisations explained that it already had an affiliated member in this country and that, in principle, it preferred to have only one member in each country. The application of the association was consequently rejected. The position was fully explained in a letter sent by my Department to the secretary of the association on the 12th February, 1955. Since then no further representations concerning triptyques have been received.
Is it not a fact that what is known as the P.M.P.A. is now the largest Irish motoring association in Ireland and that, in spite of that, they are not in a position to issue triptyques but that it is essential for any Irish motorist who wishes to obtain a triptyque to apply to and join a British association in order to get a triptyque? Would the Minister not agree that the time is ripe for the Department of External Affairs to ensure that this national association, namely P.M.P.A., will be given at least equal rights within the State with the A.A. or the R.I.A.C., both British organisations?
That is a much wider issue than was raised in the original question. However, as I said in reply to the Deputy's question I have received no further representations, and if the Deputy examines the matter, he will find that the position as stated by him regarding triptyques is not correct.
May I ask the Minister——
I cannot allow the Deputy——
I do not see why you should pick me out each time to prevent me from asking supplementary questions.
The Deputy is giving himself an undue importance in my estimation in that regard. I am asking the Minister for Social Welfare to answer Question No. 47.
You will not put me out again.
I did not put the Deputy out. The House did.