Vol. 191 No. 15
asked the Minister for External Affairs if it is a fact that a three-day visit to Bantry Bay of six British naval vessels with an approximate complement of 1,300 men was cancelled because of an Irish Government decision not to provide facilities for the holding of a regatta by the men; and if he will give a detailed description, or alternatively, a broad indication, of the facilities sought, and the reasons behind the decision to refuse such facilities.
16.
asked the Minister for External Affairs if he considers that the decision to refuse facilities for the holding of a regatta by the men of British naval vessels in Bantry was inopportune and unwise inasmuch that it might adversely affect the atmosphere surrounding Common Market discussions between Ireland and Great Britain, and the general trend of the tourist trade enjoyed by this country from British visitors.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
In May of this year permission was granted for a visit to Bantry Bay from the 13th July to 1st August by six British vessels. Later we were informed that the visit requested was not being proceeded with. I may add that since June, 1958, although there were requests for a total of 24 British Naval vessels to visit our shores, all of which were granted, none of these requests, including the one in question, contained any reference to facilities for the holding of a regatta.
Is the Minister aware there was a statement published in last Sunday's issue of the Sunday Independent from the British Embassy to the effect that the visit had been cancelled because facilities for the regatta had been refused?
I have given the Deputy the history of the case.
Is the Minister aware——
I am not responsible for what appears in the Independent.
Is the Minister aware the British Embassy has alleged this is a fact?
I am not responsible for what appears in the Sunday Independent.
If the British Embassy alleges that this visit was cancelled because facilities for a regatta were not provided, is it incorrect?
There was no application in respect of a regatta and there has not been since 1958.
Because the Minister cancelled it that year.
Yes, but there has been none since.
The Minister cancelled it that year.
He would have given it to the Germans though. He wanted the Nazis to win the war.
You wanted the Russians to win it.
You wanted Eichmann to win the war.
Would Deputies allow the business to proceed?
I am only telling him the truth.
Surely the truth can never be disorderly.
I am not saying it is but interruptions are disorderly.
The British are always right according to Fine Gael.
