asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to make it mandatory to erect danger signs in relation to the Glen of Imaal in youth hostels in the area and if he will outline the communications that have taken place with youth organisations in this regard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Glen of Imaal Danger.
15.
As I indicated in the House on 3 May 1979, I have decided to set up a committee to examine safety measures at the Glen of Imaal. I subsequently had a discussion with representatives of An Oige and invited the association to nominate a person to serve on the committee. The association have done so. The National Youth Council of Ireland have also nominated a person to serve on the committee.
Meanwhile, I understand that permanent warning notices have been erected by An Oige at the association's youth hostels in the Glen of Imaal and at Glendalough, Glenmalure, Aghavanagh and Ashford.
Firstly, have the committee to which the Minister referred in his reply met yet? Secondly, is the Minister in a position to state whether all the youth hostels in the area—regardless of whether or not they are affiliated to An Oige—at this stage have danger signs erected in them, as he indicated he would try to achieve when he replied some months ago?
In answer to the first part of the Deputy's question, the committee have met on a number of occasions and are meeting again today. I understand that the youth hostels in the area are operated by An Oige and that all of them carry the warning notices.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Has the Minister any idea when this committee may report to him?
I asked the committee to let me have a report by the end of June and I hope they will find it possible to do so.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Does the Minister not think it essential, in the interests of the safety of young people, that the Glen of Imaal be fenced off or made out of bounds in some way or another to young people until such time as the Minister receives this report——
That is a separate question.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I do not think so, Sir. ——in order to avoid further tragedies such as that which has already occurred there?
The subject of the Deputy's supplementary question has already been the subject of debate in the House and I have expressed my views on it. If the Deputy wants me to let him have a copy of that debate, I shall send it to him.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Could the Minister tell me briefly in a few sentences what he thinks?
It is not possible to answer in a few words. It has been well debated here.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Would the Minister agree that in allowing young people, and indeed elderly people as well, to frequent the Glen of Imaal he is shouldering a very heavy responsibility?
The Deputy need not try to deal facetiously with this serious matter.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am not; far from it.
I think the Deputy is trying to introduce a political aspect into the matter.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am not.
I have expressed my concern about the situation and my sympathy to the relatives of those who were killed and injured. I think the House, listening to me at that time, understood that every possible step has been taken by me in order to have the matter very thoroughly examined, not alone by a military board but by a board of civilians. In the meantime very strict safety precautions are being exercised by the military personnel in that area. I have taken every reasonable step and I am surprised that the Deputy would imply otherwise.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am not; I am simply seeking information.
I would point out to the Deputy that he is now seeking information on matters which were answered by way of question and answer in this House recently and which if now the subject of the question would have been ruled out of order. The question deals with the erection of signs.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Would the Minister not agree that nothing short of a constant military patrol of this glen, pending the introduction of whatever safety measures are suggested by the committee, is sufficient? I suggest that the Minister have it patrolled constantly.
All reasonable suggestions—indeed all suggestions whether reasonable or otherwise—will be passed on to the committee sitting to consider this matter which I hope will issue recommendations to me and advise me as to what steps may be necessary. If the Deputy wishes to make a submission to the committee, I would be very happy if he would let me have his views and suggestions and I will have them fully considered by the safety committee.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I should like to give notice that I wish to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.