Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Jun 1972

Vol. 261 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Damage to Embassies.

8.

Mr. Ryan

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs having regard to widespread concern at the outrages committed against two embassies in Dublin this year, resulting in considerable damage to the property of Ireland's guests, risk to the lives of the occupants of the buildings concerned and serious harm to the reputation abroad of this State, what action is being taken to make full amends to the injured parties and to provide immediate, continuing and adequate protection for all diplomatic offices and residences; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

9.

Dr. O'Connell

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the recent explosion at the German Embassy in Dublin; and the amount of damage caused.

10.

Dr. O'Connell

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the recent attack on the German Embassy, the Government have increased security at all diplomatic and consular missions in Dublin.

Dr. Hillery

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 9 and 10 together.

We have expressed our serious concern and have offered compensation to the Governments whose premises were involved.

A firm estimate of the cost of restoration work arising out of the recent incident at the German Embassy has not yet been framed.

The level of protection to be provided to a diplomatic mission at any particular time is a matter for the Garda Síochána who from time to time review the level and extent of security in the light of all the circumstances. Any requests from diplomatic missions for special protection are of course conveyed to the Minister for Justice.

Mr. Ryan

I know that the Garda Síochána have improved substantially the guarding of all embassies, but would the Minister ensure that these decisions to provide adequate protection for embassies are taken irrespective of whether there is a specific request from any foreign concern, having regard to the fact that this country has now become of interest to so many subversive and anarchist organisations throughout the world? There is an obligation on us to protect these embassies?

Dr. Hillery

I accept the obligation. The Deputy will appreciate that in normal times the degree of security must be a matter of judgment for the Garda Síochána. The fact that incidents of this nature occur means that the normal expectations of behaviour by people do not always apply. Perhaps this will lead the Garda Síochána to take special steps in regard to security.

Mr. Tully

Does the Minister know who was responsible?

Dr. Hillery

To apply a degree of security not only to the diplomatic missions but to people in all areas who might be attacked would be beyond the resources of any country. We have fulfilled our obligations up to now and the Garda Síochána have made the proper judgments I think.

Mr. Tully

Would it not be a simple expedient to catch those responsible and then possibly there would not be a recurrence? It has occurred twice and on both occasions it was passed off onto somebody who made an anonymous phone call.

Dr. Hillery

The Deputy is aware that the organisation on whose behalf it was claimed that this act took place is causing considerable trouble in the country concerned and they have not been apprehended by the police force. No neglect on our part was responsible for it.

Mr. M. O'Leary

We appear to have a record over the past year for paying out compensation.

Dr. O'Connell

Has the list of aliens been checked?

Dr. Hillery

There is a question down to the Minister for Justice on this matter. I presume the professional element involved—the Garda Síochána —have taken the appropriate steps and probably do not need advice.

Mr. Tully

Surely the Minister will agree that it is hardly reasonable simply to say that somebody with a Dublin accent phoned and claimed that it was the work of a subversive organisation associated with somebody in Germany. Surely we should be told whether that phone call was a phoney——

Mr. M. O'Leary

Maybe it was the German republican movement.

Dr. Hillery

I think Deputies are expecting too much. Security difficulties in any country do not seem to be appreciated by the House. Certainly the Garda Síochána are doing the best they can.

Dr. O'Connell

This is a small country on a small island and surely it should be possible to check on aliens.

Dr. Hillery

I did not say we could not check on aliens but the Deputy's colleague is suggesting that they are not aliens.

Mr. Tully

He had a Dublin accent and that is not easy to acquire. Even the Minister could not acquire it.