asked the Minister for Finance why his Department has continually refused permission to a family (name supplied) to erect a small kerb and headstone on their family grave on St. Patrick's Rock, Cashel. County Tipperary; and if he is aware that this and other graves are being walked on by tourists; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rock of Cashel Grave.
35.
In accordance with longstanding policy, the Commissioners of Public Works do not permit the erection of upright headstones or raised kerbs in graveyards controlled by them in association with national monuments. This is necessary to enable the grounds and grass to be kept neat and trim, to ensure greater safety to visitors and to avoid spoiling the appearance of the monuments. Memorial slabs and kerbs of limestone laid flush with the ground are permitted and this is acceptable to most people. Where there are great numbers of visitors as at the Rock of Cashel, it is difficult to ensure that graves will not be walked upon.
Why do the Daverns not stop it?
Are there not enough Daverns?
Deputy FitzGerald should not say that. He is leaving himself open——
Open to what?
Question No. 36.
The Minister should say what he has to say.
The Minister should be careful about making remarks like that.
I am talking about a Deputy making allegations or implications about the relatives of a Deputy in this House.
I was referring to a statement made by the Deputy on the subject when he boasted that three of his relatives were guides.
That has nothing to do with the question.
Will the Minister proceed with his threat?
Either proceed or withdraw.
Question No. 36.
The Minister should withdraw that remark.
I will not withdraw it.
Then, justify it.
That was all right in the Mansion House last week.
There was no blood spilled there.
We did not use four-letter words such as those that came across on television from the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis.
(Cavan): The Minister said that Deputy FitzGerald should be careful.
Yes.
(Cavan): He should now have the decency to withdraw the insinuation.
(Interruptions.)
To what did I leave myself open?
We cannot discuss the matter on Question No. 36.
The Minister made a remark which, in some way, reflected on me—in what way I am not clear—but I shall be glad if he would clarify it or else withdraw it.
If the Deputy will specify the remark he wishes me to withdraw, I shall consider it.
(Cavan): The Minister made the remark. He said that Deputy FitzGerald should be careful. He should withdraw that remark.
Withdraw that?
The Minister insinuated that certain things could be thrown at Deputy FitzGerald. He should withdraw that remark.
The person who spoke about low standards in high places should set high standards.
For the past 12 months this House has been hearing allegations of all kinds, including allegations from Deputy FitzGerald. So far as I am concerned if I wish to justify the remark I shall do so when I feel like doing it.
No action was taken against the dissidents.
Order, Question No. 36.
In view of the Minister's refusal to justify the remark, I am asking him to withdraw it.
Withdraw which remark.
That I left myself open—the implication being that in some way I am guilty of jobbery in respect of my family, something which, in my life, I would never do and bloody well the Minister knows it.
The Minister should withdraw the remark.
The Chair can do nothing about this.
Not because it is a Deputy from this side of the House who is concerned.
Deputy L'Estrange should allow Questions to continue. This is a political charge and political charges are made every day in this House. The Chair has nothing to do with it.
On this side of the House, allegations of jobbery are regarded as being a reflection on the honour of the Deputy concerned.
This is a political charge so far as I am concerned.
Ninety-nine per cent of what I have been saying in the past few years has proved to be true.
Slander.