asked the Minister for Defence the total number of refugees from the north who are still resident in the Republic?
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Refugees.
83.
The total number of refugees from the north in the Gormanston, Finner and Kildare Army refugee centres as of Monday morning, 17th November, was 155. The number of refugees being accommodated under private auspices is not known.
Are these refugees in receipt of financial aid from the Republic?
That would seem to be a different matter that has no bearing on the question asked.
Is the Minister's Department helping them?
Mr. Gibbons
The Department of Defence have been providing accommodation for refugees from the north since the outbreak of the trouble in the north and that is their responsibility for these people.
Are these people entitled to draw social welfare benefits from the north?
Has the Department any long-term plan for these refugees? Surely there is some liaison with the Department of Social Welfare as to what is to happen to these refugees? The Minister must have some plans.
The Chair would point out that the question is concerned with the number of refugees and the supplementaries seem to be raising matters that are not in the question.
Would the Minister say——
Mr. Gibbons
The supplementaries relate to matters that have no relation at all to the original question. I suggest that the Deputy should put down a question.