asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will request the media to refrain from designating the religion of assassinated citizens in the Six Counties so as to eliminate reprisal killings.
Written Answers. - Six-County Assassinations.
42.
The Government deplores the appalling pattern of sectarian killings in Northern Ireland which has accounted for the deaths of 311 Catholics and 170 Protestants in the four years 1972 to 1975 inclusive and which so far this year has resulted in the deaths of 56 Catholics and 57 Protestants. The Deputy's concern for the need for continuing review of action required to reduce the dangers of reprisal killings is fully appreciated and understood.
While there are many arguments in favour of the action which the Deputy is suggesting, this is an area which I feel is best left to the judgement of the media directly concerned who have, in their coverage of Northern Ireland violence, generally shown a consistently responsible and balanced judgement in their approach to such matters.