asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any complaint has been made to the British Government concerning the admitted blackmail of a 16-year-old boy by the British Army in the Six Counties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Blackmail of Youth.
58.
In general I am not prepared to give details of our continuing contacts with the British authorities on various aspects of the Northern Ireland situation.
In one short word, or in one of either of two short words —"yes" or "no", could the Minister give a reply?
The answer is "no". I would not use either short word in giving a reply because it is not the practice to disclose the contents of official communications. "No" is the answer to the question as to whether I would use one or other short word "yes" or "no".
Could the Minister say if during his travels to the North he was made aware of incidents concerning young boys and whether he interviewed any young people of 11 years of age who were apprehended and intimidated going to and from school, and whether the Minister has taken any action in that regard?
I do not offhand recall meeting any child of that age. When I was there, a number of people were introduced to me who had suffered in the particular conditions of that area. I do not recall that particular case. It may be faulty recollection on my part, but I do not recall it.
Would the Minister take steps to get some information in relation to the Intimidation of young people in the North? Would he get information concerning intimidation of children on their way to and from school?
There is constant communication. We have a good deal of information on many aspects of the Northern Ireland problems. I do not want to pursue this for many reasons in this House.
This must be the Deputy's last question.
If I do not get satisfaction, I will raise it on the Adjournment.
The Ceann Comhairle will be glad to communicate with the Deputy on that one.
The Ceann Comhairle will be communicating if I do not get satisfaction. Further to the Minister's reply, can he indicate whether he got information from his contacts concerning intimidation of young people of the age of 11 going to and from school?
I do not want to answer this question with an assurance because there are a large number of reports and it is possible that something of this kind may be included in some of them. If the Deputy wants that particular question answered, perhaps he will put down another question and I will answer it on the next occasion.
(Deputy Dowling rose.)
I have informed the Deputy that we cannot have a debate on this subject. All questions on the Order Paper are equally important.
I should like to know if, in fact, from what the Minister says, whether he has perused the files to the degree that he is able to ascertain whether or not children are being intimidated in the manner I suggest.
I have examined many reports but the Chair will appreciate that this problem goes back over several years. I have only been able to deal with what came to my attention recently. I do not want to answer the question in detail about the report without referring back and making sure that I am answering the questions correctly. If the Deputy is concerned about this, he should put down another question and I will give the correct answer.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply I wish to raise this question on the Adjournment.
Would the Ceann Comhairle say whether Deputy Dowling is referring to the question on the Order Paper?
Is the Minister aware of the particular case the question refers to? It is quite a recent case. Is the Minister aware of the present case to which the question refers?
Are we going back to the question?
Is the Minister aware of the case?
I am aware of reports. The Defence Secretary admitted the charge was broadly correct and said that disciplinary action would be taken against two soldiers. I am aware of that from press reports, apart from anything else.