Vol. 224 No. 13
asked the Taoiseach whether the Stormont Premier's recent request based on the Government of Ireland Act, 1949, was among the matters discussed at the meetings between him and the Premier; and whether he contemplates taking any action in relation to the request.
3.
asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the speech made by Captain Terence O'Neill at Ballycastle on 19th October; and if he will make a statement on it.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
I have seen newspaper accounts of the speech mentioned.
I stated in the Dáil on 10th February, 1965, that no political or constitutional topics were touched upon at my meetings with Captain O'Neill either in Belfast or in Dublin.
As I have indicated on many occasions, I am convinced that practical co-operation between the two areas into which Ireland is now divided can take place without sacrifice of principle, and it was in this spirit that my meetings with Captain O'Neill were held.
We do not recognise that the partition of the country is a just or durable arrangement and could, therefore, not consider any constitutional change or other step which would imply an abandonment of that position. Our hope is to bring about a situation in which the essential unity of the Irish people will be restored and expressed in the country's institutions. Meanwhile, we must work towards the maximum possible measure of co-operation in practical matters of public concern without sacrifice of principle.
Would the Taoiseach admit to a feeling of surprise that the Stormont Premier should raise this matter, if as he says himself, this matter was not raised in discussions with himself and the Stormont Premier?
I do not think surprise was the emotion aroused in me.
