andMr. Nolan asked the Minister for Defence if he has received reports on the incidents which occurred at the Curragh Camp on last Saturday, 1st July; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Curragh Camp Incidents.
61.
I would refer the Deputies to the reply given by the Minister for Justice to Question No. 47 on to-day's Order Paper.
It should be well understood that persons trying to force an entry into the Curragh Camp or any other military establishment will be met with all the force necessary to repel them.
I wish to take this opportunity to warn persons who involve themselves or get themselves involved in demonstrations of the kind in question that they do so at their own risk. Even their presence as innocent onlookers can be hazardous to themselves as well as rendering more difficult the task of the security forces.
I would earnestly appeal to people in the national interest not to take part in, or support such demonstrations.
While I agree with the last part of the answer I would ask the Minister whether he thinks it right that the Army should face demonstrators with fixed bayonets? Does he not understand that the use of bayonets would cause serious harm to people? They might even result in fatal incidents. Therefore, would it not be better to use such devices as shields, dye and water?
The military acted efficiently and effectively on the occasion in question and I am satisfied with the methods they employed. However, the methods that would be used to deal with future demonstrations would be another matter but the ones that were employed on the occasion in question produced the necessary and desirable results.
Would the Minister not agree that no matter what steps were taken, they would be said to be wrong?
Yes.
Is the Minister saying that methods of dealing with future demonstrations will be different from those employed in the past?
The Deputy should not expect me to indicate what steps might be taken in the future. The measures will be varied in accordance with requirements but I am not prepared to indicate what measures would be adopted. I can say, though, that whatever measures are necessary to repel any action taken against the security forces will be taken. I assure the House that any such measures would be effective.
It is a pity that such measures were not adopted at the time of the burning of the British Embassy.
That is a separate question.
Can the Minister say whether he saw the film of the demonstrations on the RTE news bulletin on Saturday night?
I am not concerned with television programmes as such. I am satisfied that the military acted in an admirable fashion. They did a good job and we are proud of them.