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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 May 1962

Vol. 195 No. 13

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Visit of Russian Diplomat.

71.

Mr. Ryan

asked the Minister for Justice if he will state, with reference to the visit to Ireland in September last of Alec Romanov, a member of the Russian Embassy in London, the date, manner and point of his entry and departure, and the steps taken to ensure that he would not engage in any political activities during his stay here.

It is not the practice to disclose information of this sort.

Mr. Ryan

Having regard to the fact that our neighbours regarded Comrade Romanov and his ilk as so potentially dangerous to the security of Britain that they have forbidden them to travel more than ten miles from the centre of London, would the Minister and his Department give an assurance that they will take care in the future before giving a visa to Communists for purely pleasure purposes, particularly having regard to the fact that a report was published in an Irish newspaper that this same gentleman while in Ireland last September attended a meeting in Galway?

I am glad the Deputy admits that the visit was a purely personal one for private pleasure. I can assure the Deputy that at no stage was the security or safety of the realm in danger.

Mr. Ryan

Would the Minister state whether or not the Garda are aware that Comrade Romanov attended a meeting in Galway last September, other than a private meeting?

The Deputy would be astonished at the extent of the information at the disposal of the Garda Síochána.

Mr. Ryan

Was the newspaper report true, that he attended a meeting of so-called trade unionists?

It was probably the race meeting.

Mr. Ryan

The Minister is making light of a serious matter.

If the Deputy wants my honest opinion, I think the whole thing is a complete "cod".

Mr. Ryan

Am I to understand that the Minister is admitting that the Department made a mess and that he made a greater mess of the matter?

I am admitting nothing of the sort.

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