asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) that he has acted to end the indoctrination of pupils with IRA propaganda from teachers; the evidence he has that such indoctrination takes place and the levels of teaching involved; the nature of the action he has taken to redress this alleged indoctrination; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Indoctrination of Pupils.
38.
(Cavan): I should like to emphasise that the remarks the Minister made on this subject were to the effect that there is a small number of teachers here and there who support the IRA philosophy and are prepared to introduce this philosophy into their classrooms. The evidence that the Minister has of this was received by him on a confidential basis and he is not prepared to give details. He can say, however, that it related to more than one level of teaching.
Having brought the matter to notice so that school managers, parents and members of the public would all be aware of the position, the Minister does not propose to elaborate further on the steps that have been taken.
I am not making any point about the fact that the Minister for Justice is not here to answer his questions today. There may be a number of good reasons having regard to this morning's news for his absence. I am not making any point about the fact that Deputy Thornley is absent. I am sure he is doing his duty on behalf of the country in Europe. Surely the Minister will agree that his colleague might have postponed the question in order to give the House an opportunity of asking supplementary questions? I appreciate that the Minister for Lands would not be in a position to answer supplementaries. Having regard to the important nature of the question, the Minister for Lands might be able to help us. I am sure the matter has been discussed at Cabinet level. Can he tell us the nature of the action that is being taken to arrest the alleged indoctrination? Does his colleague, the Minister for Education, intend taking any action in relation to the very serious allegation, or was it an allegation made by the Minister off the top of his head? Is the Minister aware of the concern caused in the teaching profession about these very serious charges?
(Cavan): The Deputy would appear to suggest that the Minister for Education——
It is the Minister for Justice.
(Cavan): ——should take some steps in the matter. If that is the Deputy's suggestion it would be more appropriate if he put down a question to the Minister for Education.
The Minister is being unfair to me in view of the fair manner in which I put my question. Deputy Thornley put down a question to the Minister for Justice arising out of the speech he made condemning certain teachers for indoctrinating pupils with what he described as "the IRA philosophy". Having made that speech and having condemned the teaching profession in a blanket fashion——
The Deputy is embarking on a statement. I would remind him that this is Question Time.
Having condemned in a blanket fashion the whole teaching profession, does the Minister for Justice intend taking any action against those teachers whom he considers to be engaging in this form of indoctrination? I am sure the teaching profession are anxious to know what action he intends taking in the matter. Did he make the charges in a general way, without any grounds whatever, merely for propaganda purposes?
(Cavan): It is not correct to say that the Minister involved the entire teaching profession. In fact, he made it quite clear that there was only a small number of teachers involved——
An anonymous number.
It is a slur on the teaching profession.
Do Deputies want to hear the reply or not?
(Cavan): I am satisfied that the Minister performed a very valuable public duty in bringing this to the notice of the public and I am sure it will have the desired effect.
Is it not a fact that the Minister has not taken any action? He just made the statement and probably now finds on further investigation that it was false and misleading.
(Cavan): The Deputy would be incorrect if he assumed any such thing.
Is it the intention of the Minister for Justice to take any action in the matter? As the Minister knows, it is obvious from public statements made by leaders of the profession that it reflects on the whole profession.
He should withdraw the allegation.
(Cavan): There was very little reaction other than in one case.
There were five different——
That is not what was said on British television.
Is Daithi O'Connell not a teacher?
(Cavan): In his reply the Minister stated that he did not propose to elaborate further on the steps that have been taken.
As a public representative and a parent I would ask the Minister for Justice to withdraw the slur on the teaching profession. It is a worry to parents when a supposedly responsible person makes a slur on highly professional people. I call on the Minister for Justice in the House to withdraw his allegation or else to name the people and to take action.
(Cavan): The Minister did not cast any reflection on the teaching profession. The supplementary questions being put forward are mischievous and are so intended.
The Minister's speech was mischievous.
It was false and misleading and it should be withdrawn.
(Cavan): The supplementary questions are not intended to be helpful and the Minister does not propose to elaborate further on the steps that have been taken.
Where is the Minister?
(Cavan): He is at the inauguration of the successor to the President-elect. If Deputies opposite have any objection to that they should say so.
The reply today stated that only a small number of teachers are prepared to indoctrinate but the original statement did not use the word "prepared". In view of the rather damping-down kind of answer today, I would ask the Minister to consider making a public statement to correct his original statement.
(Cavan): The Deputy is not correct in what he has said——
The defenders of the Provos.
(Interruptions.)
(Cavan): I sympathise with Deputy Andrews because I know his views and his attitude but I am afraid they are not shared by his colleagues. Deputy Loughnane asked a question and I am trying to give him some information if Deputies will permit me.
The Minister should be man enough to apologise for what he has said.
They are going in with Charlie now. I have seen them come and go.
I must appeal to the Chair for protection. The Minister for Lands has suggested our supplementaries were mischievous. The statement of the Minister for Justice was a mischievous one and the cause of worry to the teaching profession generally. If he is not prepared to stand over his allegations he should withdraw them.
I am calling the next question.
(Cavan): The Minister made it perfectly clear that he was referring to a small number who were indoctrinating pupils——
How many?
Have they been sacked?
(Interruptions.)
I have called Question No. 39.