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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Feb 1962

Vol. 193 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Immigration of British Citizens into England from Ireland.

41.

andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for External Affairs whether legislation or regulations controlling the passage of coloured members of the British Commonwealth from Ireland to Britain have been requested by the British Government or are to be introduced.

The British Government have not requested us to pass legislation or make regulations of the kind suggested. We are aware, however, that if free movement of persons between here and Britain is to be maintained, we shall have to continue to ensure that aliens who are not automatically admitted to Britain, cannot land here for the purpose of using this right of free movement to travel to that country.

The arrangements necessary to deal with the matter are at present under consideration.

This is a most disreputable piece of colour bar legislation passed by the British House of Commons. In view of the great distress and hostility caused in many countries with which we have very close associations, would the Minister make it quite clear that we will have no hand, act or part in facilitating the British in introducing or maintaining this piece of apartheid legislation?

I do not accept the Deputy's allegations. I would point out that, except during the war, we have had free movement between here and Britain. There was all during that time an understanding between ourselves and the British Government that we would not let in here people who were altogether unacceptable, and allow them just to use our right of free movement to Britain, to land in Britain. The Deputy is aware that that was the situation when he was in government himself.

Do we take it that the Minister, when he talks about undesirables, is referring to citizens of India, Ghana, Nigeria and other countries? Does he consider that we should not allow these citizens to come into this country?

The Deputy knows very well to whom I am referring and it is not to the citizens of those countries. I am referring to people with criminal records.

Deputy Dr. Browne's pals.

This legislation has been passed in Britain——

The Deputy is making a speech. He should put his remarks in the form of a question.

Does the Minister intend to prohibit the citizens of India, Ghana and Nigeria and other citizens from coming to Ireland and, if they so wish, going across to Britain? Does he intend, on the request of the British Government, to bar these people from coming to Ireland and using it as a means of ingress to Britain?

If we are to keep free movement between here and Britain, we shall have to continue to ensure that aliens will not come here for the purpose of using our right of free movement——

We shall operate the British colour bar legislation? Is the Minister not ashamed of it? He ought to be damned ashamed of it.

Between 50,000 and 60,000 of our citizens go to Britain every year——

The Order of Business.

The Government are licking Britain's boots. Twenty years ago, they were talking of twisting the lion's tail.

We know who licked Britain's boots when we were trying to drive them out.

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