asked the Minister for External Affairs whether, in cases where a member of the diplomatic community enjoying diplomatic immunity in this country infringes the laws of the country, he will make it clear to the Government by which that person is accredited that he or she is no longer persona grata.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Diplomatic Immunity.
The answer to the Deputy's question is "yes", if having regard to the circumstances of the case the infringement would warrant a proceeding of such gravity.
Is it not a fact that very recently diplomatic immunity was claimed in a case where criminal charges were being made?
No.
Is it not a fact?
It is not a fact.
I have already ruled out that matter as a main question. The Deputy may not get in by way of supplementary question what I have already ruled out as a main question.
I am pursuing a matter which, I think, is in the public interest. I think it is wrong that that position should be allowed.
I have ruled the matter out as a main question and the Deputy may not now——
It is my public duty to protect the public interest and that is what I am doing in this regard. That was the reason why I asked the question.
The Deputy may not now raise as a supplementary question what I have ruled out as a main question. The Deputy may seek another method.
If this person is still in the country, I think it is a very wrong thing. The person involved——
I do not think the Deputy should use this House to make charges against any citizen or any foreign resident here.
I shall not allow any further discussion on this.
I have been particularly meticulous not to mention any names or country.
And thereby raised a suspicion in respect of all the embassies.
That may be so. There is no individual mentioned.
Diplomatic immunity was not claimed.