andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach whether any changes have been made in the Articles of NATO since its establishment; and, if so, if he will indicate their nature.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Articles of NATO.
1.
As from the accession to the Treaty, on 18th February, 1952, of Greece and Turkey, consequential amendments were made in Article 6 of the Treaty. So far as I am aware, this is the only amendment that has been made to the Treaty.
May I ask the Taoiseach, in view of the conflicting interpretations that have been put on certain Articles of NATO in connection with Partition, would he now state whether or not the remarks he made here in the House in the last fortnight, that joining NATO did not imply recognising Partition——
That is an entirely separate question and the Deputy must put another question on the Paper. It does not arise naturally from the question on the Order Paper.
The question on the Order Paper has been——
I am not going to discuss the matter with the Deputy. I am ruling that it does not arise normally from the question on the Paper.
But arising from the question on the Paper, is it not a fact that we were told recently——
The Deputy will not succeed in putting the question in that fashion. I am ruling that the question does not arise from the question on the Order Paper. Question No. 2.
May I put this to you? Here, within the last fortnight an article of NATO was quoted——
That is discussing the merits of the question. The question the Deputy is asking as a supplementary does not arise, in order, from the question on the Paper.
Am I not entitled to ask the Taoiseach if the Articles of NATO——
Question No. 2.
(Interruptions.)
I see there is a nice smile on the Taoiseach's face. It is a damnable ruling.
On a point of order, is it not in order for a Deputy to ask a supplementary question if the Taoiseach says there has been no change——
I am not directed by the Taoiseach or any other Deputy. I am ruling that the supplementary question does not arise normally from the question on the Paper.
We shall come again.