asked the Taoiseach if he has received, as head of the Government, a request from the anti-Partition elected members to enter Dáil Éireann; and if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Six Counties—Dáil Representation.
A request has been conveyed to me to receive a deputation of certain members recently elected in the Six-County General Election.
As regards the position of the Government in relation to the admission of Six-County representatives to Dáil Éireann, there is nothing that I can add to the reply given to a question that was addressed to me in this House on the matter on the 9th December last.
Does the Taoiseach not consider that the case for anti-Partition could be very much assisted by the first-hand information which these elected representatives from the Six Counties could undoubtedly give to the Dáil?
I do not think so. That is only one aspect of the matter. There are other aspects which would have to be taken into account.
Are the Taoiseach and the Government really sincere with regard to the campaign they carried on when in opposition when they went over to England and addressed meetings in Coventry, Birkenhead, Liverpooland elsewhere and when they make no effort to help the people in the Six Counties to bring about the unity we all desire?
We make every effort, but the present suggestion would not be an effort. It would be quite the contrary.
Could the Taoiseach say what are the other aspects that must be considered?
This is a matter which has been discussed here more than once. I made a full statement on it and I do not think anything would be gained by making a further statement now.