asked the Taoiseach if, in view of his statement in Bonn on 23rd October that this country would not wish to push in the United Nations the suggestion of reducing tension by withdrawal from points of conflict where such a suggestion did not seem to be acceptable to those directly concerned, he envisages a change in Ireland's policy in the United Nations which would involve an abandonment of its present independent position and a close coordination of Irish policy with that of the United States and the NATO powers generally; and whether this country is likely in the future to make any independent proposals in the United Nations for the reduction of nuclear arms and the lessening of international tension.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ireland's U.N. Policy.
18.
The Deputy's question is obviously based on a misconception of the context in which the statement to which he refers was made at Bonn. The statement was made in reply to a specific question about a proposal put forward some years ago by our delegation at the United Nations concerning the creation of an area of law in Central Europe. We have not since pursued this proposal for the reasons I stated at Bonn. No change of policy was involved. This country will, of course, continue to support, in the United Nations, efforts to reduce international tension and to achieve the greatest possible degree of disarmament subject to adequate international control and inspection; and we will, in this regard, take any initiative which appears likely to be useful.