asked the Minister for External Affairs if, in order to promote closer friendship and better relations with the Government and people of Northern Ireland, he will take steps to appoint a special representative in Belfast and permit of the appointment of a representative of the Northern Ireland Government in Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exchange of Government Representatives.
I should be glad to take steps that would in any way bring about a closer relationship between our people and those of the partitioned counties. Rather than the exchange of representatives, I feel that a much more useful purpose would be served by the establishment of direct contact on matters of mutual concern between the two Governments. Accordingly, I should be willing, at any time, to meet representatives of the Belfast Government for the purpose of discussing matters of economic co-operation which might be of benefit to Ireland as a whole. I feel that direct contact on such matters would be preferable to contacts through representatives. The distance between Dublin and Belfast is a short one.
While, as indicated, I should at all times be prepared to discuss matters of mutual concern with the Belfast Government and should welcome an opportunity to do so, it must be clearly understood that any such contact would be without prejudice to the clearly stated attitude of this Government, that a continuance of the unnatural division of our country is a violation of Ireland's national sovereignty and of the elementary democratic right of self-determination. In so far, however, as co-operation on economic matters may be of assistance in minimising the effects of Partition and in bringing about a better understanding between those in de facto control of the Six Counties and ourselves, I should welcome it.
Might I ask the Minister if that reply suggests that the Minister recognises this Belfast Government?
The reply means what it says.