asked the Taoiseach whether he will consider issuing a White Paper on the Government's approach on unity which would also include the published policy statements of other parties in the Dáil, so that members of the public might be afforded an opportunity of studying the views of the democratically elected parties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Unity Policy.
16.
The public is well aware of the Government's attitude on this subject. So far as the policies of the Opposition Parties are concerned, it is for them to make such policies known to the people.
More than any other party, the Taoiseach's party are in need of education on what exactly is your policy on the north. We have just seen the reaction of Deputy Boland to the Taoiseach's enunciation of his policy on the north.
He said he agreed with it. What is the Deputy talking about?
(Interruptions.)
Would the Taoiseach agree that the members of all parties in this Parliament have a duty to lead public opinion in this part of our country in the right direction of peace and that, therefore, the suggestion that we should publish our policy documents and attempt to educate public opinion in constructive fashion should be agreed to? This would mean that we would cut the ground from under the feet of such mavericks as Deputy Boland.
(Interruptions.)
Our policy is well known and the Labour Party policy is well known too. It is a matter for them to publish it. Fine Gael have published their policy and it is also well known.
Would the Taoiseach not agree, in the present circumstances where confusion has been created genuinely in people's minds, that it would be of enormous value to the people of Northern Ireland if there could be a statement of policy by all three parties which are, I think, in agreement on this issue and that we would speak with one voice and that this could be conducive to peace in Northern Ireland? Would he give some consideration to this and not rule it completely out of court at this point?
We have made our position perfectly clear.
You have made your two positions perfectly clear—the Taoiseach has made his and Deputy Boland has made his.
Is the Taoiseach absolutely satisfied his policy on the north is subscribed to by every member of his Parliamentary Party.
Yes.
(Interruptions.)
Without reservation?
Yes.
(Interruptions.)
There is one reservation at any rate.
Order.
They speak with divided voices.