asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware that a consignment of shamrock which was being sent to Rhodesia for St. Patrick's Day was impounded by British custom officials at Heathrow Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Impounding of Shamrock.
10.
I have seen newspaper reports containing the allegation referred to by the Deputy and have inquired into the matter. The facts are that for a number of years past Aer Lingus has distributed shamrock to Irish societies and others all over the world for St. Patrick's Day.
For the third year in succession, Aer Lingus despatched a consignment of shamrock to an Irish association in Southern Rhodesia. They flew the shamrock to London for onward shipment by another airline but did not advert to the fact that this year under the extended system of sanctions on trade with Rhodesia, an export licence or transhipment licence is required for all goods exported from Britain to Rhodesia. On 16th March, when this was brought to the attention of Aer Lingus, it was unfortunately too late to acquire the necessary licence. Aer Lingus therefore arranged for the consignment to be included in their general distribution of shamrock to Irish clubs and other bodies in Great Britain.
Do I take it that the Minister did not think it worth while to protest to the British Government against the insult offered to this country and to our national emblem?
There is no use trying to build this up into an important international incident. There was this change in Britain as far as goods transhipped in Britain or consigned from Britain are concerned. Aer Lingus did not advert to the fact that there was a different situation in regard to the transhipment of shamrock to Rhodesia until it was too late to get a permit. If they had adverted to it, I am sure there would have been no difficulty.
Did the Minister's Department not see fit to advise Aer Lingus of the change?
All Departments were notified of the UN Resolution—all Departments and all State and semi-State bodies.
I am asking the question particularly in relation to shamrock. Did the Minister's Department see fit to advise Aer Lingus of this change?
I have answered that question.
You waited until it happened.
How does anything happen?