asked the Taoiseach whether his attention has been drawn to published reports that Mr. James Crossan, Sinn Féin organiser for County Cavan, of Bawnboy, County Cavan, was shot and killed in the early hours of August 24th, 1958, by members of the R.U.C. while on this side of the Border in County Cavan, and, if so, what steps he has taken to have these reports investigated, and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shooting of Sinn Féin Organiser.
asked the Taoiseach whether he is aware that Mr. James Crossan, Sinn Féin organiser, of Bawnboy, County Cavan, while unarmed and not engaged in illegal activities was shot and killed by members of the R.U.C.; and that at a purported inquest held subsequently no evidence was given by any of the persons who were present at the time Mr. Crossan was killed; and, if so, what action has been taken in the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.
I am aware that Mr. James Crossan was shot and killed in the early hours of the 24th August last, and my attention has been drawn to the evidence given at the inquest held in Enniskillen on the 25th August and to published statements by the R.U.C. from which it is clear that the shooting was by a member or members of that body.
Such information as is at my disposal gives no ground for believing that Mr. Crossan was shot while he was on this side of the border, in County Cavan, as stated in Question No. 5. My information does, however, tend to confirm that he was unarmed and was not engaged in unlawful activities at the time of the shooting.
I am aware that, so far as indicated by the published reports, no evidence was given at the inquest by any of the persons who were present at the times when Mr. Crossan was killed.
A full investigation of the occurrence would not be practicable except with the assistance of the members of the R.U.C. who were present on the occasion of the shooting. It will be obvious, therefore, that the Government are not in a position to have such an investigation carried out.
The Government could at least protest. A citizen of Eire was shot down and the Government has done nothing at all.
In order that an effective protest could be made, it is obvious that the facts should first be fully established.
In view of the fact that the British Government made representations to the Government of the Republic of Ireland in connection with incidents on the Border and that, due to the representations made by the British Government, certain action was taken here by our Government, is it not reasonable to suggest that our Government should now make strong representations to the British Government to have an inquiry held and to have, in the course of that inquiry, members of the Special Branch of the R.U.C. examined in relation to this tragedy?
I should like to say, in the first instance, that the action which the Government took was not taken because of pressure from another Government.
Is it not a fact that representations were made by the British Governments?
I understand what our duty is in relation to this incident and I have said——
If the British Government made representations why did our Government not make representations when the opportunity arose?
There is no use in my saying anything.