asked the Minister for Justice if his Department are keeping a close check on non-nationals in this country who are suspected of communist activities; if he will take measures to deport such persons immediately; and if he has any special measures under consideration to deal with communist activities in the light of any information which has reached his Department in recent months.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Communist Activities.
48.
While it is the duty of the Garda to keep themselves informed of all possible dangers of subversion, it would not be in the public interest to disclose the extent of measures taken in this regard.
Might I inquire from the Minister whether his attention has been directed to the twice weekly, at least, lectures in this city on communism, on Lenin and other Russian leaders to persons between the ages of 16 and 30 and if his attention has been directed to these classes? What steps is he taking to have the matter investigated by the police or by the authorities?
Communism as a policy is not illegal in this country. These people are entitled to their beliefs so long as they stay within the law. In so far as their activities become subversive, my Department take corrective action.
Have representations been made to the Minister's Department by parents who are rather anxious about their relatives and, in many cases, members of their families who are attending such lectures? Have parents made representations to the Minister's Department or direct to the Garda authorities expressing concern and anxiety as a result of the lectures taking place in this city?
Concern has been expressed to my Department by some people. On the other hand, I have seen even some clergymen alleging that communism is possibly a good thing.
Might I finally inquire from the Minister, as this is the first time I have spoken in this House in three months——
That is a change. Was the Deputy too busy on Radio Telefís Éireann?
——whether he has information that lectures and classes of the type to which I am referring are taking place in this country? If the Minister has full reports before him, surely he would be bound to take these reports in a very serious light?
I am certainly keeping myself informed as to this field as well as to other subversive activity. I cannot add anything further to the reply I have given the Deputy.
Finally——
The Deputy said his last supplementary question was the final one.
——would the Minister be prepared to accept this document from me which will help to enlighten him very much?
I should always be glad to be enlightened by the Deputy.
Will the Minister read it?
It is of a very delicate character. I cannot be expected to read it out.
It is being presented by a delicate character.
Mr. O.J. Flanagan crossed the floor of the House and handed a document to the Minister for Justice.
Deputy Flanagan will please resume his seat. It is totally out of order for a Deputy to cross the floor of the House. Deputy Flanagan should observe the courtesies of the House.
I can assure the Chair that the document is of a delicate nature and I should therefore prefer to hand it personally to the Minister. I tender my very sincere and genuine apologies to the Chair.
I am not quite sure that I am mature enough to read this document without consulting my confessor.
Was it from a Reverend Mother?
I must consult my confessor.
Was it "red" or "read"?