asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware that Irish workers employed in England during the past three years are requested to report for military service by the British Government or leave the country; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Workers' Military Service.
The Deputy will be aware that no liability to be conscripted into the British armed forces exists in the case of Irish citizens who do not ordinarily reside in Britain for permanent purposes for periods over two years.
Where, however, Irish citizens become ordinarily resident in Britain for two years they are held by the British authorities liable to be called up for military service under the provisions of the British National Service Acts if they come within the statutory age limits and are not classified within any of the prescribed categories of exemptions.
By arrangement made with the British Government, following representations by the Irish Government, such Irish citizens, even if called up for service, will not in fact be conscripted if they choose to return home.
I do not feel that there are any further steps open to me to take in this matter.
Has the Minister's attention been drawn to a report in to-day's papers to the effect that an Irishman from County Kerry appeared yesterday before a magistrate in Bristol for refusing to register for national service and—despite the fact that the magistrate upheld the defence —that a representative of the Crown has stated in public that an appeal would be made on the magistrate's decision, and, if so, will the Minister take steps to see that the Department of External Affairs are represented at the hearing of the appeal?
That is a separate question.