asked the Minister for External Affairs what is the attitude of the Government with regard to Recommendation No. 488 on the general policy of the Council of Europe, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 26th April 1967; and whether he will instruct his Permanent Representative in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to vote in favour of the proposals contained in this recommendation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Council of Europe Recommendations.
1.
The Government are in broad sympathy with the objectives set forth in Recommendation No. 488 and, as the Deputy is aware, they are taking all steps open to them to secure the accession of this country to the Treaties of Rome and Paris.
What does Recommendation No. 488 say?
It is recommending that all possible steps should be taken to ensure that the Member States of the Council of Europe accede in whatever form seemed suitable to them under the Treaty of Rome.
Very important for the local elections.
2.
asked the Minister for External Affairs what is the attitude of the Government with regard to Recommendation No. 489 on peace research, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 26th April, 1967; and whether he will instruct his Permanent Representative in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to vote in favour of the proposals contained in this recommendation.
While the Government have reservations in regard to the danger of Government involvement in private research institutes which derive their value from their independence and objectivity, the Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe has nevertheless been instructed to support Recommendation No. 489 on the understanding that paragraph 6 (b) does not imply any obligation on Governments. This position has been taken by several other member States.
What does Recommendation No. 489 say, and what does paragraph 6 (b) say?
Recommendation No. 489 is urging the encouragement of private research institutions, but the reservation referred to in paragraph 6 (b) relates to the involvement, or possible involvement, of Governments, financially and possibly otherwise, in the encouragement of these private institutions. As I have pointed out, their value depends on their independence and objectivity.
What is all that?
It would go like a bomb up in Crumlin.