asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made representations to the British Government concerning the invasion and requisition of the GAA Park at Crossmaglen by the British Army and their behaviour when searching the spectators at a game there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Requisition of GAA Park.
10.
I have taken the matter of the compulsory acquisition of part of the GAA grounds at Crossmaglen up with the British authorities. I understand that the acquisition took place on Saturday, 6th July, at a time when no game was in progress.
Does the Minister not realise that although the acquisition took place when no game was in progress the British Army invaded the pitch before the acquisition of the grounds? Does he realise that in that area of the Six Counties there is an 80 per cent Nationalist opinion and that the behaviour of the British Army on that day was provocative and leading to trouble?
If the Deputy is aware of circumstances of which we have not been informed I shall be glad to learn from him about them. We have no report here of behaviour such as described by him. We have information about the compulsory acquisition and the Minister has taken up that matter.
I regret very much that the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs has replied——
Has the Deputy a question to put?
Apparently he has assumed the mantle of Minister for Foreign Affairs——
This is not relevant.
He has expressed himself in this House——
The Chair will hear a supplementary question only.
He is on the record of this House——
Is the Deputy going to persist in defiance of the ruling of the Chair?
I am stating that it is on the record of this House——
The Deputy was given an opportunity to put a relevant supplementary question. Does he wish to avail of this opportunity?
The Minister was looking for information. I have given it to him.
The Deputy may seek information at Question Time, not give it.
Will the Minister state if the representations were by way of protest to the British Government, has an acknowledgment or a firm reply been received to date? If not, would he advise his colleague to make further representations immediately?
Representations in terms appropriate to the situation were made on the 10th and 12th July and the British authorities have undertaken to reconsider the matter. However, they have not held out any hope that they will be able to rescind the compulsory acquisition order.
Does the Minister appreciate that an invasion of the pitch took place before the acquisition?
The Deputy has already mentioned that fact.
Does he not realise that the British Army invaded the pitch, searched the people at the match, that their behaviour was provocative, and that subsequently they compulsorily acquired the GAA park at Crossmaglen?
I have no information before me——
I have given the information.
Perhaps the Deputy would permit me to reply? I have not got any information and I have not got any indication of any source of information. I have an assertion from the Deputy.
No. 11, please.
This is an important matter.
I realise that. The Deputy may not seek to usurp the authority of the Chair in this fashion. I have called the next question.
A Cheann Comhairle, I am surprised at you. You are denying me the opportunity of asking a question regarding an association in the North of Ireland that has been blackguarded on many playing fields there.
An association of all Ireland.
The Chair afforded the Deputy the opportunity.
I am sorry you have changed your attitude, Sir.
This is disgraceful conduct.
The man who said: "British Army out; British Army stay." After the Derry shootings he said: "British Army get out." Emotional moryah.
Deputy Loughnane, please.