asked the Minister for Defence what directions have been issued to patrols of the Defence Forces operating in the Border area as to the action to be taken in regard to armed civilians.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Patrols.
110.
The action to be taken by members of the Defence Forces when on duty in aid of the civil power must depend on the circumstances of each particular case.
Surely the Minister is aware they have instructions to keep their eyes closed in many cases? When they apprehended a group of men about a month ago men with machine guns told them to get off, which they did. Even when they are apprehended and brought before Fianna Fáil district justices——
The Deputy may not make a statement like that. He must withdraw it.
I am not prepared to withdraw it.
The Deputy must withdraw the statement with regard to the political affiliations of district justices.
I have no intention of doing so, I cannot withdraw the truth.
The Deputy will have to leave the House.
I shall leave the House, I will not withdraw the truth. There is neither law nor order in the country.
Nor in the Dáil for that matter.
Deputy L'Estrange withdrew from the Chamber.