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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Jun 1960

Vol. 183 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Free Trade Area.

3.

andDr. Browne asked the Taoiseach whether his suggested scheme or plan for the establishment of a free trade area for all Ireland was discussed with the British Government either during the talks leading up to the recent trade agreement or at any other time; what the attitude of the British Government was to these proposals; and, if such discussions have not taken place, whether he proposes to take steps to initiate such discussions in the near future.

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative.

The idea, which I have indicated the Government's readiness to consider, of an arrangement that could for convenience or for want of a better term be described as an Irish Free Trade Area, has not been discussed with anyone. The question of when it might be appropriate or desirable to initiate any discussion of the idea is a matter for consideration in the light of circumstances as they may develop.

In view of the fact that in the course of his speech here on the Trade Agreement, the Taoiseach stated that the impression was given to him in London that his attitude in regard to free trade between the Six County area and the Twenty-Six Counties was a good idea and that, according to him, it was welcomed by the British Government, would he state whether the impression that was created in his mind was as a result of discussing this matter with representatives of the British Government?

That is a most inaccurate description of what I said here on that occasion.

May I put it this way to the Taoiseach? In view of the fact that he has on a number of occasions recently—and rightly so— suggested the idea of a free trade area in the Thirty-two Counties and in view of the fact that the Premier of the Six Counties has stated that matters of trade are matters solely for the British Government and not for the Six County Government, would the Taoiseach put this proposition first to the British Government rather than talk in the air as far as the Six County Government is concerned?

As I have said, the question as to when or in what manner discussion of ideas of that kind can best be initiated is one to be decided in the light of circumstances.

Arising out of the Minister's reply——

Question No. 4.

Further arising——

I cannot allow Questions to continue indefinitely.

I have not asked a Supplementary Question.

I know. The Deputy is not now entitled to ask a Supplementary Question.

This is only the third Supplementary Question.

I have called Question No. 4.

Surely the Ceann Comhairle is not trying to suppress discussion?

The Chair is the authority that decides the number of supplementary questions to be asked.

I have not asked a supplementary question at all.

The Deputy is not now entitled to ask a supplementary question. Every Deputy is not entitled to ask a supplementary question on a particular question.

I am aware of that.

Why should the Deputy seek a special privilege?

I was merely asking the Taoiseach whether he favoured the establishment——

Will the Deputy resume his seat?

The Ceann Comhairle is attempting to suppress discussion. This is scandalous.

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