asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he is aware that clubs opened in London and other larger centres in England, which purport to be Irish and are called "Connolly clubs", are in fact Communist controlled; and, if so, if he will consider taking steps to warn young Irish nationals resident in Britain against having any contact with this latest type of communistic propaganda.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - “Connolly Clubs.”
From the information at my disposal, it would appear that the clubs referred to by the Deputy are Communist controlled.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, certain Irish Catholic bishops have, from time to time, warned young people, taking up employment in Britain, against joining the "Connolly clubs" and the Anti-Partition of Ireland League in Britain has warned that membership of, or association with, Connolly clubs is incompatible with membership of that body.
For my part, I can only endorse these warnings and express the hope that young Irishmen and Irishwomen resident in Britain will not be misled by pseudo-nationalism into joining organisations, the aims of which would not be, in the long run, in the true interests of this country.