I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.
In October last, the then Ambassador received an invitation to unveil the statue referred to in the Deputies' questions and he replied that he would be unable to accept. One of the considerations which affected his decision was that to accept would not only lend support to divisive influences but would give rise to demands for his attendance at other small presentations which might be organised subsequently. A process of this kind once it got under way would soon destroy the solidarity of the major Irish organisations which have been long established and doing magnificent work under their popularly elected leaders.
I may add that apart from his normal diplomatic duties, our Ambassador in London receives hundreds of invitations every year to attend a wide variety of functions not only in London but throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Many of these invitations are related to the activities of the United Ireland Association and other Irish social and cultural societies. The memberships of these organisations embrace Irishmen with varied opinions on home politics, past and present, who are all proud and willing to work loyally together for the cause of a United Ireland and for the promotion of Irish interests generally. The Ambassador accepts as many as possible of these invitations consistent, of course, with the carrying out of the many other duties of his office.