asked the Minister for Defence the policy of the Government in regard to participation by members of the Defence Forces or other Irish nationals in international sporting events.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Participation in International Sports.
58.
Sporting bodies in Ireland are private and autonomous and have complete discretion both as to the selection of teams and individuals for international events and as to the events in which they might participate. When, however, the question arises of granting special leave to a State employee who is selected for such an event, the matter is one for determination by the Minister concerned in the light of all the relevant circumstances. If the State employee were a member of the Permanent Defence Force, I would normally be disposed to grant him special leave.
I take it that the Minister stated it was a matter for the Minister concerned. He is aware that Lieutenant Shanahan was denied an opportunity of representing his country some time ago and that the Minister concerned was the Minister for Defence but that, in fact, the order was made vetoing his request by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Why was this?
The Deputy is incorrect in his assumption that the order was not made by me. The reason why the order was made by me was that the Government had subscribed to a Charter of the United Nations. What it means is this: we do not approve generally of participation with countries which have inter-racial difficulties and bring them into sporting activities. On the occasion described by the Deputy I made the order, and I made it in a situation in which Lieutenant Shanahan had no leave left this year and could not go of his own volition. I had no choice but to make the order because of the previous Government's adherence to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2775 (XXVI) D on the question of apartheid in sport.
Is that not contrary to the Press reports, which were not denied by the Government Information Bureau, that the Minister for Foreign Affairs vetoed the request?
No. I must tell the Deputy truthfully that the press reports were incorrect. I was the person who made the order.
The Minister was the bully.
In view of the impression created in the public mind that the Minister for Foreign Affairs had taken a decision on his initiative, why did the Minister not then correct that impression? It seemed to the public that the Minister for Foreign Affairs had taken the decision.
The newspaper reports said that, but I made the decision and it was my responsibility.
Does the Minister accept that the public were confused as to whose responsibility it was, and will the Minister assure us that it will not happen again?
I am not responsible for newspaper reports.
Is the Minister aware that certain press reports stated that these were multi-racial games——
Is the Deputy against the United Nations charter?
——and that Lieutenant Shanahan was discriminated against?
I had a very sad decision to take. I examined all the circumstances and I was extremely sorry that Lieutenant Shanahan had no leave left. In fact, since then another State employee has gone to other games on his own leave and at his own expense. I would have been delighted to send Lieutenant Shanahan but I just could not do it.
In view of the terms of the Minister's reply could he tell us did the Minister for Foreign Affairs have anything at all to do with this?
No.
Did he mention it to you?
He beat you on the run to Montrose.
(Interruptions.)
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I should like to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.