andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for External Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to a report that the British Home Secretary is likely to impose restrictive conditions on immigrants to Britain from Ireland; and, if so, whether any consultations have been held with any representative of the Government on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Immigrants to Britain from Ireland.
38.
I have seen the report to which the Deputies refer.
This matter was dealt with at some length in reply to Deputy Russell's Question on 14th December and there is nothing which I can usefully add to that reply at this stage.
Is the Minister not aware that this matter has been reconsidered since 14th December and that it is under active consideration by the British Government at the moment? Have our Government made any representations or investigations into the position of Irish citizens, if and when legislation of this nature is introduced in Britain?
Is the Minister aware that it would be a very good thing if restrictions were imposed on girls under 18 going over there? Many of them have gone, despite their parents' objections and nothing can be done about it. The police in England say they can do nothing unless they commit an offence. There are hundreds of these girls under 18 and goodness knows what they are doing there.
Order! That is not relevant.
I have six letters in my pocket from parents of such girls.
May I ask the Minister if he intends to reply to my Supplementary Question?
I am aware that the British Government are considering this matter but I do not anticipate that there will be any conclusion to their consideration for some time to come. If they contemplate action such as is suggested in this question and in the report to which the Deputy refers, that would have to be a matter of legislation.
Does the Minister propose to make any move or inquiry prior to the British Government arriving at their conclusions?
We have been in touch with the British authorities.
It took a long time.
And you can continue to depend on emigration as the main plank of your economic policy.