asked the Taoiseach whether at his meeting with the British Premier he raised the issue of the release of all British State papers concerned with relations between the two countries, as a result of the changes announced recently by the British Government; and whether, in particular, he requested the release of all papers connected with courts martial of 1916 leaders.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Release of British State Papers.
6.
The reply to both parts of the Deputy's question is in the negative.
Is it the position that the Government welcome the recent British decision to release all the papers on the other side of the 30 years embargo? Does the Government welcome the release of all the necessary papers in connection with the negotiations in the period?
What the British have decided does not mean the release of all the Anglo-Irish papers. First of all, the release of any papers more than the 30 years term will have to depend upon the Lord Chancellor. In certain cases the term is altered up to 100 years in the area they call "sensitive papers".
Is the Taoiseach prepared to make the request referred to in the question.?
I know for a fact that even in Britain itself papers dealing with court martial proceedings are not released unless after 100 years. I may also tell the House I am aware of representations made on behalf of relatives of one of the executed leaders of 1916 for the release of certain papers in connection with the court martial of the leader. That application was refused.
Would the Taoiseach not be prepared to make a similar request?
The request was made so recently I do not see any point in doing so.
The Government will not even release papers concerning the Treaty Debates.