asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that a television programme has been shown recently in the USA in which it was suggested that every school child in Ireland is beaten every day; and, if so, if he has any means at his disposal to stop this type of nefarious broadcast so inimical to the Irish image in the USA.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - USA Television Programme.
132.
The answer to both parts of the question is "No".
Will the Minister agree that a more promising method of protecting Ireland's image in the US and, indeed, elsewhere would be to stop beating the children instead of trying to stop people taking photographs?
Mr. J. Lenehan
Go out to the Congo again.
This is a disgraceful suggestion by Deputy Cruise-O'Brien.
It is a calumny on the teachers of Ireland.
Apparently some American broadcasting company provides the gospel of Deputy O'Brien.
Is the Minister aware of this television programme and has he investigated it?
I have no power to investigate it.
Have we not an embassy in Washington?
(Interruptions.)
The Chair will have to ask Deputy Lenehan to leave the House if he does not cease interrupting.
Mr. J. Lenehan
I will cease interrupting so I can hear what these idiots have to say.
The Deputy will cease interrupting or he will leave the House.
Mr. J. Lenehan
I will stop interrupting.