asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Irish Government supported the proposals at the U.N.O. for the release from imprisonment of Mr. Lumumba.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Release of Mr. Lumumba.
24.
The proposals to which the Deputy refers have been put forward in the Security Council. As Ireland is not a member of that body, our delegation has not been called upon to pronounce on them.
Has any protest been made on our behalf?
That is a separate matter.
About what?
About the release of Mr. Lumumba.
I explained my attitude in that regard yesterday.
Could I ask the Taoiseach whether he approves of a régime in which a rebellious army general can arrest and imprison his own Premier and Defence Minister?
No. 25.
Does the Taoiseach accept that?
If the Deputy has in mind the request formulated in the last few days by the Soviet Government this request was put forward in the Security Council of which Ireland is not a member.
This request was put forward by Mr. Dayal, personal representative of Mr. Hammarskjoeld in the Congo. Is our Government going to take any steps to see that the recommendations of the United Nations are carried out in the Congo in relation to Belgian military and civil personnel which is returning in ever-increasing numbers to re-colonise the Congo?
I made it quite clear yesterday that I am not prepared——
Does the Government intend——
If the Deputy will not stop nattering there is no point in answering.
(Interruptions.)
Will the Deputy please allow business to proceed?