asked the Minister for Justice on what grounds instructions were issued to the Gardaí to seize the flag which was being carried at the commemoration march in Dublin on Sunday 24th April, 1966; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Seizure of Flag.
32.
The flag in question purported to represent those participating in the march as a military organisation.
The organisers were informed in advance that the display of such a flag was contrary to the law and that it would not be tolerated.
Perhaps I should remind the Deputy of the provisions of Article 15.6 of the Constitution which provides that the right to raise and maintain military or armed forces is vested exclusively in the Oireachtas and that no other military or armed force is permissible for any purpose whatsoever.
First, would the Minister say this was an armed force marching through the city? Secondly, is he aware that the same flag was displayed in the North of Ireland without any let or hindrance to anybody? Will he also explain on what grounds instructions were issued for the flag to be seized?
The same flag was not used in Northern Ireland.
I will correct the Minister.
Let me finish. Secondly, the flag in question purported to be the flag of a military organisation that purported to represent the people following the flag as being a unit of a military organisation or army and, as such, it was completely contrary to the Constitution of Ireland. It constituted a challenge to the Oireachtas——
Nonsense.
——in which is vested the exclusive authority in regard to military force in this country.
Will the Minister say if he himself gave instructions for the flag to be seized?
The instruction in this matter is of very long standing. Indeed, it has been observed by people who wish to have processions of this kind in Dublin over the past number of years. The Garda issued a warning to the people in this procession not to display any such flag or insignia as had not been displayed in such processions over the past number of years. On this occasion the warning was ignored by certain individuals.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of these replies, would the Taoiseach not consider a sworn public inquiry into this?
If the Deputy wants to join some of these subversive organisations, let him do so openly.
That is typical.
They want to have it both ways.
(Interruptions.)