asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to recent statements in the Northern Ireland Parliament suggesting the establishment of an All-Ireland Development Council and offering to co-operate with the Government in matters of national development; if he will set up a section of his Department devoted entirely to close co-operation with the Six Counties, pending a satisfactory agreed solution of the Border problem; and if, as a first step in this direction, he will appoint a consul or representative in Belfast, and arrange an early conference to discuss ways and means by which co-operation can be brought about.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Co-operation with Six Counties.
1.
I have seen newspaper reports of the suggestion referred to by the Deputy, which was made by Mr. P. Gormley, M.P., a Nationalist member, when moving a motion for closer co-operation between the two parts of Ireland.
On many occasions, my predecessor as Taoiseach and I have suggested that the two Governments should examine the possibility of extending co-operation in matters of common concern. I stated in this House on the 21st July, 1959, that we would be prepared to consider adjustments in our trading arrangements which might expand trade opportunities for bona fide Irish products originating in the Six-County area, and I raised the questions of setting up a committee to deal with internal Irish trade and of co-operation in the field of tourism and in the campaign to attract and develop new industrial projects. Following subsequent conferences between Six-County and Twenty-six-County business people and the Department of Industry and Commerce, tariff reductions are being made voluntarily by us in the case of linen, furniture, electrical motors and paint.
I have, on a number of occasions, made it clear that we would welcome any indication that the Government of Northern Ireland would be willing to pursue objectives such as I have outlined and to examine with us any matter of mutual interest. Should such an indication be forthcoming, appropriate channels for practical co-operation can, I am sure, be arranged.
Does the Taoiseach not consider that this is a very suitable occasion, now that a new Prime Minister is commencing his term of office in the North, to arrange for discussions between himself and Mr. O'Neill and further, in view of the fact that Mr. O'Neill is reputed to be a man with a greater degree of commonsense, intelligence and national understanding than his predecessor, would he consider arranging for talks between himself and Mr. O'Neill with a view to furthering co-operation and a greater degree of understanding between the two Governments?
I have made our position clear on many occasions in regard to our willingness to meet at any level and without any pre-conditions.
Have the Government at any time considered the appointment of a representative in Belfast who would be on the spot for the purpose of closer co-operation between the two Governments?
I have already informed the Deputy of my opinion that if co-operation should be desired, the practical arrangements will offer no difficulty.
If Mr. O'Neill were willing to meet him for discussions, would the Taoiseach be prepared to attend?
I have already replied to that question.
That you will?
I have already replied to the Deputy.
I think we may take it the Taoiseach will be so prepared and we can hope that Mr. O'Neill will make the next move.