asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he can give the Dáil any information with regard to the activities of the Irish Free State Minister to Spain since his return to his post.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Activities of Minister to Spain.
In common with the other diplomatic representatives now resident at St. Jean de Luz, our Minister to Spain has been endeavouring, as far as present circumstances permit, to carry out his normal functions. He visited Salamanca last month for the purpose of informing himself of the situation in that area, and also of securing the withdrawal to the rear of the fighting line of a number of minors who are citizens of Saorstát Eireann and whose parents had requested the intervention of the Government on their behalf. He has not so far been able to obtain permission for the return of these minors to their parents.
If the President comes to the conclusion, at any time, that the Minister is not really serving any useful purpose during the civil war, will he consider suppressing the Irish Legation to Spain altogether until after the civil war, and possibly transferring Mr. Kerney to Italy, where, I understand, a Legation is to be established?
I could not reply to that question now.
Arising out of the reply, were any similar representations made to the Valencia body, and, if so, can he say whether the Valencia body made any reply to the request of our Department of External Affairs, that minors who were with the forces of the Valencia body, without the consent of their parents, should be repatriated?
I will have to ask the Deputy to put down a separate question. I do know that the Minister has endeavoured to do his duty, no matter what side they are on.
Is the Minister prepared to say that the same kind of representation was made to Valencia?
I prefer if the Deputy would put down a separate question.