asked the Minister for Justice in relation to the superintendent who saluted the coffin of the three IRA victims of the Gibraltar shooting at Dundalk, County Louth, whether a decision was made by the Garda authorities in advance approving such action; if not, if any view has been expressed to the Garda authorities by him regarding the desirability or otherwise of such action; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Saluting at Funerals.
42.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that no direction was issued at Garda Headquarters level in relation to the question of saluting at these particular funerals.
Deputies will probably be aware that there is a long tradition whereby gardaí in uniform salute funerals, particularly when the coffin is draped in the national flag. In fact I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that new force regulations prepared for some time but not yet promulgated require members of the force to salute a coffin draped in the Tricolour.
I believe that this practice is, and is intended to be, a sign of respect for the flag and for the dead — not necessarily any sympathy or support for any cause that might be represented by the occasion. The action of gardaí who saluted the funerals referred to should, I consider, be viewed in the light of these considerations.