asked the Taoiseach whether his attention has been drawn to a leading article in a Dublin evening newspaper of 27th February, 1953, which said that Robert Emmet's insurrection was a miserable affair, a tragic farce that was squashed in a few hours, and that he exerted no influence on the story of Ireland; and, if so, whether he will take steps, if necessary by the introduction of proposals for legislation, to prevent anti-national attacks such as this on Irish patriots.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Newspaper Leading Article.
I have seen the article to which the Deputy refers. I do not think it necessary to take any such steps as he suggests.
The reputation of Robert Emmet, like that of the other patriots who gave their lives in efforts to secure the freedom of our country, is safe in the affections of the people.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the paper is the Evening Mail,which has a wide circulation mainly amongst our young people and can influence wrongly the minds of people in matters of this kind? If steps cannot be taken, surely that paper should not receive Government support in the shape of advertisements?
Is the Taoiseach aware of the way in which newspapers in this country are insistently and persistently attacking the memory of men like Griffith and Collins?
That is a separate question.