asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement concerning his recent talks with the British Prime Minister, Mr. Harold Wilson; and what was the outcome of these talks.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Talks with British Prime Minister.
1.
asked the Taoiseach if he will make a full statement in connection with his recent talks with the British Prime Minister; and if he is satisfied that his interview was a successful one and will benefit this country.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
While the details of my recent discussions with the British Prime Minister must remain confidential, I can say that the talks covered the full range of political and economic matters of importance which are of interest to the two countries.
I found the talks most useful. They were particularly opportune because of Mr. Wilson's intention to visit each of the Governments of the Six European Economic Community countries with a view to deciding whether to revive the British application for membership of the EEC. I made arrangements to be kept fully informed of developments in this matter as they occur and I hope to have a further meeting with Mr. Wilson after the completion of his European visits.
Would the Taoiseach state whether he took advantage of his visit to Mr. Wilson to deal with the question of Irish emigrants and the setting up by the Irish Government of emigration welfare services in Britain?
That was not discussed.
It is very difficult to understand the Taoiseach when he says discussions were confidential.
Yes, surely.
Why were they confidential? What was discussed with the British Government that should not be told to Parliament?
Surely the value of discussions of this nature would be lost unless they were confidential? If matters of mutual interest are to be disclosed they can be disclosed only by agreement between the two people involved.
What item were discussed?
I stated that fairly fully when I came back after these talks. I discussed the operation of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement. I discussed the initiative of Mr. Wilson in undertaking talks with members of the Governments of the Six in regard to renewing application for membership of the EEC.
May I ask the Taoiseach whether the question of Irish unity came on the agenda for discussion?
That was confidential.
I discussed recent moves towards better relations with the Six Counties.
Was there any question of a review of the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement?
No.
Does the Taoiseach not think it necessary?
No. It has been in operation for only six or seven months.
And you see the effects of it, too.
They are very satisfactory so far.
May I inquire if there was any discussion of the catastrophe that is overtaking the small farmers of Western Ireland who have young cattle and are unable to sell them?
These matters were discussed generally in relation to the operation of the Free Trade Area Agreement.
I trust the discussions will be fruitful soon.
May we take it the discussions between the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister are to be regarded by the Dáil as confidential and not for revelation to the people of the country until it suits the convenience of the Government Party? May we take it also that the Taoiseach considers he has the right to commit the Dáil and the country in discussions of this kind without democratic examination in this Dáil? Is that the attitude, as it seems to me from the manner in which he has answered the question?
I want to repeat that the value of discussions of this nature can be preserved only as long as they are confidential. I can give Deputy Dunne an assurance that I committed this Dáil and the country to nothing, nor will I, without the appropriate approval.
Without giving us the details, would the Taoiseach say what topics were discussed?
I have just given the broad outline of the discussions.
Would the Taoiseach elaborate on his statement that the Free Trade Area Agreement was a success? So far as the results are concerned, it was an absolute failure.
That does not arise from the question.
It arises from the Taoiseach's statement that the Trade Agreement was a success.