asked the Taoiseach whether the Government have under consideration the establishment of any consultative entity comprising representatives of the Belfast, Dublin and London Governments; and whether such a step would be in conformity with the intermediate stage mentioned in his Tralee speech.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Unity.
1.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; in regard to the second part of the question, it is not possible at present to say when or in what circumstances a consultative entity comprising representatives of the Belfast, Dublin and London Governments could usefully be established.
Would the Taoiseach agree that consultation and agreement with all elements of the community in Northern Ireland is the only same path to unity and, indeed, is the only unity that can endure and that, therefore, bellicose statements must be avoided? Further, could the Taoiseach ensure that all members of the Cabinet abide by the terms of his Tralee speech and present a unified front on this vital national question?
That is a separate matter on which there are questions down for next week and we can discuss it then. I agree with the first part of the Deputy's suggestion.
The Taoiseach has already disclosed that there are varying degrees of intensity on this national question within the Cabinet and would he not agree that in the interest of all of us the Cabinet should abide by the terms of his Tralee speech?
Hear, hear.
As I have said before, that is Cabinet and Government policy.
Can the Taoiseach say that the speech made by the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries is in agreement with the Tralee speech?
That is a separate question.
They cannot prevent the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries from playing cowboys and Indians.