asked the Taoiseach whether his attention has been directed to a recent speech by Sir Basil Brooke reported in the daily Press of 26th March, 1952, in which the economic plight of the Republic as stated to exist by members of the Government is advanced as a reason why the North should not unite with the South; and, if so, what steps will be taken by the Government to undo the harm thus caused to the cause of Irish unity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Unity.
Mr. O'Higgins
I have seen a Press report of the speech to which the Deputy refers.
I am not aware of any statement made by any member of the Government on the subject of economic conditions here which could reasonably be regarded as doing harm to the cause of Irish unity.
Sir Basil Brooke was, apparently, defending himself against criticism based on unemployment in the Six Counties, and he suggested that world conditions had created difficulties for this part of the country also. It is, of course, necessary in the national interest that members of the Government should make public speeches on our economic and financial problems and the measures necessary to solve them, and the Deputy surely does not suggest that we should neglect this duty merely because what we say may be used as propaganda by those who desire to maintain Partition. We cannot allow our political lives to be entirely governed by fear of what Sir Basil Brooke or his colleagues may say.
Mr. O'Higgins
Is the Taoiseach aware that the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Industry and Commerce have used phrases in which they have described the economic condition of the country as being serious, if not desperate; and would he regard phrases such as those as being a proper description of the economic strength and financial soundness of the Republic of Ireland?
I have heard the former Taoiseach himself speak of the "utmost alarm" and "dismay" caused by certain facts in the economic situation here and I think that the Ministers who spoke were quite justified, in view of the situation as it is, in using those expressions in order to draw the attention of the people to the seriousness of the position.
Could the Taoiseach say in what circumstances the former Taoiseach spoke of alarm and dismay being caused and by what events?
By the balance of payments deficit, which at that time was £30,000,000 a year and now is £66,000,000.
Will the Taoiseach say why and under what circumstances the former Taoiseach spoke of that in terms of alarm and dismay?
Here in this House on the 5th August, 1948.
Mr. O'Higgins
I wish to give notice that I would like to raise this matter on the Adjournment.