asked the Taoiseach the statutory or other authority under which the Government intervened to demolish the stump of Nelson Pillar.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nelson Pillar.
1.
It was the lack of appropriate statutory authority for the speedy demolition of the stump of the Nelson Pillar which caused the Government to intervene.
How does the Taoiseach expect the ordinary citizens of this country to act in a law-abiding fashion when the Government themselves, without lawful authority, blow up monuments merely because they are a source of embarrassment to the Government?
Do you want them to fall down on top of the people?
I am asking the Taoiseach to explain the Government's utter irresponsibility in blowing up a monument in the middle of the city when they have no authority to do so?
There was no other way of doing it.
There were ample other ways of doing it. What part did you play in the original blowing up, or how inefficient are the Government's agencies that such a thing could happen in the middle of the city? The only reason the Taoiseach is not answering is that he does not want this matter discussed in the House, but we will discuss it again and again.
Will the Deputy please resume his seat?
I know the Government would like to blow up my seat but they are certainly not going to do that. There is no law and order when the Government can blow up monuments——
I have asked the Deputy to resume his seat. If the Deputy cannot behave himself, he should leave the House.
The Deputy is blown up by his own importance.