asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that a book is in circulation and is at present at the Rathmines Library, Dublin, entitled Secret Societies in Ireland by Captain Pollard which states that the IRA and other national bodies were murderers and assassins; and, if so, if he will take such steps as are open to him to have the book withdrawn.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Circulation of Book.
10.
I have no functions in regard to the selection of library books by local authorities. I have no knowledge, therefore, whether or not the book referred to by the Deputy is stocked in any of the Dublin Corporation libraries. I will, however, bring the text of the Deputy's question to the notice of the Dublin City Manager.
As this book is likely to be in other libraries throughout the country, would the Minister also inform other city managers of the existence of such books?
For what it is worth, I have been informed by an officer of my Department who read this book years ago that his idea of the book is that it is utter and complete rubbish, but whether or not it is the practice of library committees to stock utter and complete rubbish is something that I am not aware of.
The Minister has admitted it is utter rubbish but it libels the I.R.A. as murderers and assassins and why circulate it in public libraries? I leave it to the Minister to draw to the attention not only of the Dublin City Manager but of other managers that such a book is being circulated in public libraries.
I think the Deputy's question will have the desired effect of bringing it to their notice.
Everybody will want to read it now.
It will probably have increased circulation.
Of course, Deputy Sherwin is a member of the corporation under whose jurisdiction the library comes.
I can deal with the matter at that end but what about all the other ends?
There may not be other ends.
Would the Minister not agree that members of library authorities are as good Irishmen as Deputy Sherwin and will also insist on the book being withdrawn, as our library committee have insisted?
But for my raising the question, only one or two people would be conscious of the existence of the book. I want the whole country to be conscious of it. I am doing a service.