asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange to continue to have the national flag flown over Adamson Castle, Athlone.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flying of National Flag.
73.
Adamson Castle, Athlone was vacated by the Army in May, 1967 and handed over to the Commissioners of Public Works in June, 1969. It is not proposed to continue to have the national flag flown over the Castle.
In view of the fact that this castle was a symbol of foreign domination for over 700 years and during the whole of that time a foreign flag flew over it, would the Minister not agree that it would be symbolic and quite proper if the national flag would continue to fly over it as it has flown over it since we got our freedom in 1921? It is a very prominent landmark.
I have made some study of the etiquette in relation to flying the national flag and I think that we might consider, as in the case of the Rock of Cashel and Pearse's Cottage in Rosmuc, flying the flag on St. Patrick's day and Easter Sunday and Monday. Beyond that, I do not think the proposition would be practicable since the military have vacated the castle.
The military are only a few hundred yards down the road.
I shall consider the possibility of flying the flag on special occasions such as St. Patrick's Day and Easter weekend.