asked the Minister for External Affairs (a) if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in a recent issue of a Canadian newspaper (details supplied) insulting references were made to the late General Michael Collins, (b) if any instruction was issued to the Irish Ambassador in Ottawa to have such references withdrawn and (c) the date such instruction was issued and the result of it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Canadian Newspaper Reference.
157.
The item referred to was not seen by the Embassy in Ottawa, nor has it been possible to trace it. The lady who wrote to the Irish Independent in the matter did not draw the Embassy's attention to this item but she believes that it appeared last May or June in an item on an entertainments page concerning a film. A search of the newspaper file has not so far uncovered the item but if it is found, the necessity for appropriate action will be considered. The item appears to have been rather an obscure one which aroused no public comment.