(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Justice if shots were fired by members of the security forces in Carew Park, Southill, Limerick, on Friday 18 June 1982; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Limerick Incident.
516.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that, in connection with a Garda search at Rock Place, Carew Park, Limerick on 18 June, certain developments occurred and members of the gardaí who were pursuing two persons heard a shot in the vicinity. One of the gardaí then fired a warning shot. Three persons were arrested and have been charged with firearms offences. As the circumstances in which one or both of the shots were fired may become at issue in the court proceedings, it would be inappropriate for me to say anything further.
Sir, I wish to give you notice of my intention to raise on the Adjournment the question of the closure of the day care centres in my constituency.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.
A Cheann Comhairle, I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of recent restrictions on the movements of calves from herds locked up under the disease eradication scheme.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.
I would like to raise on the Adjournment the question of the closure of Ardmore Studios which it was suggested last week I should raise on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.
Yesterday, Sir, I asked you a question regarding the protocol of the flying of our national flag in the area of this House. I pointed out that our flag was in an insignificant position, in which it should not be. I looked today and I found that the flag is in the same position as yesterday. I am amazed at the disrespect to our national flag shown by the Parliament of Ireland.
A Cheann Comhairle——
I should like to answer Deputy Loughnane. I understand that they are placed in alphabetical order and that is——
No, no, that is incorrect. The host flag should be to the right a few feet from the others and must be at least a foot higher. That is what I learned in the Army.
I did not personally place the flags there but we will have another look at the matter for the benefit of the Deputy.
It should have been rectified since yesterday.
I want to support Deputy Loughnane in this matter. This is not a frivolous matter. It is a matter of serious content in which the correct protocol, the due respect to the national flag of this nation, is not being given by the Houses of Parliament on the occasion of this important inter-parliamentary meeting. I request that the matter be rectified immediately. In fact, I understood from the Captain of the House that it would be rectified this morning, but on observation I note that it has not been.
Deputy Molloy, you are implying that I was treating the matter frivolously. I would hope you would not have any wish——
I have made a request that it would not be treated frivolously.
You did not say that. No, you made a statement, Deputy Molloy, and if that is what you meant I would ask you to withdraw it.
What I meant to say, in case you misinterpret me — and I am making no accusation against you ——
That is all right.
I have no interest whatsoever in doing so. I am asking that this matter not be treated frivolously. It is a request.
It is not my problem at all, Deputy.
We are a disgrace as a nation the way in which we are treating our national flag outside our national Parliament for the second day in succession. Why is not somebody in the Department of Defence consulted? They will tell you how to put flags up.
Due to the inadequacy of the Minister's replies over 20 minutes to the question I had down, I should like to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
I have just received notice that you have disallowed my Private Notice Question asking the Minister for Education to withdraw his directive to the VECs throughout the country regarding the appointment of teachers. You have disallowed it on the grounds that it does not satisfy the criterion of urgency. The matter is of extreme urgency. Even though the letter to which I referred was dated 14 May it has been only in the past few days that it has become urgent because of the interviews that have taken place. It is now impossible for the VECs throughout the country to make appointments despite the fact that their candidates have now been nominated by the various interview boards.
Deputy, your question was considered in every detail and the matter was not considered urgent. If you wish to come to see me in the light of the new information you have given me, it can be looked at again. But it was examined very carefully and it was decided that it was not one that met the urgency criterion. However, in the light of the new information you have given me we shall examine it again if the Deputy will come up to my office.
May I give you notice, Sir, that I wish also to have the possibility of raising it on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.