asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that the remarks regarding festering sores which he found when he took office, reported in the Press as having been made by him at Carndonagh, have been deeply hurtful to the relatives of certain deceased State officers; whether the report is correct; and, if so, whether he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Minister for Justice's Statement.
My remarks on the occasion in question had reference to matters that were obstructing the unity of the people and causing resentment in certain quarters. I succeeded in having these sources of irritation removed and I believe my purpose has been achieved.
I never intended to, and I believe my remarks could not, inflict the slightest pain on the relatives of those gallant men to whose memories I recently had the honour of paying tribute.
Does the Minister for Justice remember that when he was paying tribute to the gallant men who died, the Minister for External Affairs was attending the funerals of the men who murdered them?
Mischief again.
That is true.
The Deputy is trying to perpetuate dissension. His purpose here is to perpetuate dissension.
Order!
Is the Minister satisfied that the reply he has given represents the position in view of the letter which appeared in the Press from the daughter of one of the murdered men, Sergeant Dinny O'Brien?
Before the Minister answers that question, may I ask the Minister if he is satisfied that letters such as that referred to by Deputy MacEntee are political productions solely?
Shame.
And nothing else— political productions solely.