andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for External Affairs whether in view of Ireland's present membership of the Security Council it is proposed to introduce a motion for the discussion of the problems caused in Ireland by the military occupation of part of the country by British Army troops.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Troops in Six Countries: Security Council Discussion.
78.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given on the 6th December, 1961, to a similar question outlining our attitude on the subject of raising partition at the United Nations. The fact that Ireland is a member of the Security Council this year does not constitute a reason for altering the attitude then outlined.
Is it not a fact that one of the functions of United Nations and the Security Council is to get rid of colonialism in all its shapes and forms and in view of the fact that the Minister for External Affairs has, and rightly so, spoken in the United Nations on the evils of colonialism in every nation, as far as Timbuctoo, surely it is not unreasonable to suggest that he should, by way of motion, raise the problem of colonialism in what is now Britain's oldest colony, the Six Counties?
We, of course, are prepared to raise the question of the partition of Ireland as a specific issue at any time that it would be wise.
How long is it since it was last raised?
If the Minister is able to judge when it is wise to raise these issues in connection with other countries as what has been described in this House as a sore thumb, surely there should be every justification for raising this thorn in the side and organising the goodwill of the many countries in the United Nations——
I never used the expression "sore thumb" or "a thorn in the side" in relation to the matter.
Does the Minister not realise that his failure to take positive steps in relation to Partition is one of the reasons why this appalling continuation of military courts and long sentences on unfortunate men must go on?
I do not believe there is any relationship at all.
Of course, there is.
We have raised it often.
These young men believe——
Do not be encouraging them.
I am not encouraging them.