asked the Taoiseach if he intends to raise with the Northern Ireland Government the activities of para-military religious sects, increasing over recent months, which have been advocating communal disturbance in Northern Ireland which has culminated in the recent outrage in which a youth was murdered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Para-Military Sects in Northern Ireland.
1.
Mr. O'Leary
The answer to the Deputy's question is in the negative. I consider that action on the lines suggested by him would not be helpful.
I take this opportunity, however, of expressing our hope that the appeals made by all responsible leaders in the North will achieve their purpose, and that tolerance and understanding will prevail.
Mr. O'Leary
I agree with the Taoiseach that we should be extremely restrained in our comments and the only reason I raise the matter is that it appears from reports that the events leading up to this dreadful calamity appears to have been a long time in process of evolution and I am really querying whether there had been any discussions with Ministers of the Northern Ireland Government?
There were no discussions.
Mr. O'Leary
Would the Taoiseach give us an assurance that if he feels the matter requires discussion it will receive his attention?
Certainly.
Can the Taoiseach give us an assurance that if there is an attempt made to operate this across the Border, action will be taken immediately rather than waiting until somebody is killed?
Might I ask the Taoiseach to confirm in public what is certainly known to me, and I believe is known to his colleague, the Minister for Transport and Power, and to Deputy Mooney, with his intimate knowledge of County Monaghan, that no manifestation of this kind of strife whatever, has appeared in Monaghan? I should be glad to know if the Taoiseach's information, from such sources as he commands, confirms this impression?