asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state if this country's status to-day is that of a member of the British Commonwealth; and if not, when such status was abandoned or forfeited.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Status of the State.
I have already stated the position here in the Dáil. This State is an independent Republic, associated as a matter of external policy with the States of the British Commonwealth. There has been no change in that position.
Is the Minister aware that the Irish Press defied the Opposition Party in an editorial of the 17th——
The Deputy should realise that that is not an official document.
Deputies are entitled to know whether the Irish Press or the Taoiseach is telling the truth. The Taoiseach has flatly contradicted and repudiated the statement of the Irish Press.
Deputies may not question the veracity of a Minister or a Deputy.
The statement by the Taoiseach is in direct contradiction of the statement in the Irish Press.
That does not arise. There is no responsibility to this House on the part of Ministers for the Irish Press.