asked the Minister for External Affairs whether any difficulties have arisen, since the passing of the Republic of Ireland Act, between Ireland and members of the British Commonwealth as a result of which Great Britain and Australia refuse to accord full diplomatic status to Ireland; and, if so, whether he will state the nature and origin of these difficulties.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Diplomatic Status.
There has been no refusal on the part of the British or Australian Governments to accord full diplomatic status to Ireland.
Will the Minister say if the influence of British policy has been directed towards preventing full diplomatic status being accorded to Ireland by members of the British Commonwealth?
As the whole position in regard to the status of our representatives in Britain and Australia is under consideration, I am afraid I cannot give the Deputy any more information at the moment.
May I ask the Minister if he has read the Clann Bulletin, Volume 1, No. 4, February, 1950, in which it is stated that hitherto the influence of British policy has been directed towards preventing full diplomatic status being accorded to Ireland by members of the British Commonwealth——
That, surely, is a separate question.
——and will the Minister say if the statement contained in that bulletin is a correct statement?
That is a separate question.