asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he has seen reports of a remark by a Recorder at Nottingham, England, in which the Recorder suggested that there was a likelihood of an accused person being guilty of a criminal offence simply because he was an Irishman; and, if so, whether any protest has been made to the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Comments of Nottingham Recorder.
14.
Mr. Ryan
I have seen reports of the remarks to which the Deputy refers and was surprised and perturbed by their implications. On the assumption that he was correctly reported, the Recorder of Nottingham, in dealing with this particular case, made what I regard as a quite unwarranted reflection on Irishmen and on Catholics. I felt it right to make known these views to the British authorities, and this has been done.
Has the Taoiseach's attention been directed to the publication in today's newspapers of a very full apology by the Recorder of Nottingham, with an explanation that he had not had an opportunity of making it heretofore owing to his absence from Great Britain?
I have seen the report.