asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware of a statement by a priest that he estimated that there were 600 young Irish girls on the streets of London, many of whom were teenagers from the Gaeltacht; and if, as similar statements are made from time to time by responsible people, he will now consider issuing permits for those under age who wish to go abroad, or impose some form of protection or control.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Permits for under age Emigrants.
7.
Without necessarily accepting the accuracy of the figures quoted, I agree with the Deputy that if the situation is as described in the statement to which he refers it is very distressing. The solution he suggests for it would not, however, in my opinion, be practicable. To put it into effect would involve our trying to control the movement of young persons out of the country; and the Deputy will, I am sure, realise the impracticability of such a scheme.
I would refer in this connection to what my predecessor said on this matter on 28th January, 1959, in reply to a question by Deputy Russell. It was then indicated that a legislative prohibition would be costly and difficult, if not indeed impossible, to administer, that it would moreover be open to criticism as infringing the rights of parents and guardians and that the primary responsibility rests on the parents and guardians.
I would also refer the Deputy to what the Minister for External Affairs said on this same subject in the Dáil on 11th July last in reply to the representations made on that occasion by the Deputy and others.
Why go to London?
Was the Taoiseach answering in his own name or on behalf of the Minister?
On behalf of the Minister.
As a matter of interest, who was the Minister's predecessor in 1959?
I meant the former Taoiseach.
Mr. Donnellan
Is it not bad enough to have some people trying to belittle us without our trying to do it ourselves?