asked the Taoiseach whether his attention has been directed to a report in a daily newspaper of a speech made by the Tánaiste advancing reasons for this country's not joining N.A.T.O.; and, if so, if he will state whether the statements made represent Government policy in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ireland and N.A.T.O.
I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy. The arguments and statements therein are in accord with Government policy.
Is the Taoiseach aware that in the Irish Pressof September 26th the Tánaiste is reported as saying to the Ottawa Canadian Club that we were not free to consider joining the N.A.T.O. on account of Partition, and is it not fair to deduce from that that if Partition were removed to-morrow morning this country would then consider joining N.A.T.O.?
It would certainly be free to consider it.
Would the Taoiseach then agree that if we consider joining N.A.T.O. at any time we would then lose our neutral position in world affairs?
That is a separate question.
But it arises out of that.
It is not in the question. It was neither implicit nor explicit in the question.