asked the Minister for External Affairs whether any steps have been taken to alleviate in some way the grievous harm which has been done to our friendly relations with the German people by Deputy Cowan's speech at Strasbourg; and, further, whether steps will be taken to ensure that a repetition of the charges in the speech will not harm the reputation of this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deputy's Strasbourg Speech.
I am unable to accept the implications contained in either part of the Deputy's question. Representatives or substitutes at meetings of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe speak as individuals and, therefore, cannot commit their respective peoples or countries by the personal views which they express.
In view of the fact that a member of the Government acted as leader of that delegation may we take it that the views expressed by Deputy Cowan were in accordance with the views of that member of the Government and of the Government itself?
That is a separate question.
May I ask the Minister whether it is a fact that the Minister himself forwarded a script to Deputy Cowan before Deputy Cowan left for Strasbourg and gave him the headings of his speech which he was instructed to make in Strasbourg?
I am no more responsible for what Deputy Cowan said on that occasion, and neither is any member of the Fianna Fáil Party, than they are responsible for some of the statements made by, say, Deputy Flanagan and Deputy Dillon.
I want to protest against Deputy Cowan representing this country in Strasbourg, in the name of decency.
This is not the time.
I want to protest against——
It is not the time for protest.
——in the strongest possible terms against the sending of Deputy Cowan to Strasbourg.
The Deputy cannot protest in that manner.
Surely you will agree that we want to maintain our friendly relations with Germany and every other country and I want to protest in the strongest possible terms——
The Deputy will please resume his seat.