asked the Minister for External Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to a report that a tricolour, placed on the coffin of the late Mr. Seán MacCaughey, was forcibly removed therefrom by members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary on Sunday, 12th May, 1946; and if he will take up the matter of this insult to the national flag with the appropriate authorities in Northern Ireland, with a view to obtaining an apology for the incident.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tricolour Removed from Coffin.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part is in the negative.
Does the Taoiseach not consider it necessary that some protest should be made in view of the fact that in the case of officers of the British Army whose funerals were held within the Twenty-Six Counties the Union Jack was not removed, and rightly so, by the authorities; and does he not consider this is an insult to the National Flag to have it removed from the remains of a patriot and if he would further state why he refuses to make any representations?
I do not think that any good purpose would be served by engaging in futilities.
Does the Taoiseach stand up and allow the flag that so many good Irishmen have died for to be insulted by the R.U.C. in the Six Counties without making any protests?
I have given my answer.
In view of the unsatisfactory reply, Sir, I shall, with your permission, raise this matter on the Adjournment.
Why the hell did you not go down and protect it yourself?
I was in Belfast when you were not in Belfast. You were away in England when the fighting was being done in this country.