asked the Minister for Defence if he will arrange to pay the expenses of all old IRA men with 1916 service, who are now living in distant parts of the world and who would like to visit Ireland for the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the 1916 Rising; and if, in view of the very limited number of such veterans now living, he will invite them to return for this great event.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commemoration of 1916 Rising.
21.
There are no funds at my disposal for the purpose mentioned.
Does the Minister think it reasonable that on the occasion of this anniversary of the Rising men who participated in that historic event and who are now far from the shores of this country, who would like to come back, should be unable to do so and would he not consider, in view of the limited number, that they should be given free air tickets for the purpose?
This is not, strictly speaking, a matter for me at all. If Deputy Flanagan knows of people who desire to come back and who cannot do so, I do not. I have had no application from anybody seeking such assistance.
Would the Minister advise me as to where to make the appropriate application?
I am unable to direct the Deputy in that regard.
Give him an air ticket out of the country for himself.