asked the Taoiseach whether any request was received by the Government to provide a spokesman on the British Tyneside TV programme which had for subject matter the Northern Ireland question.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - British TV Programme.
5.
Yes. It was not considered to be a suitable programme for participation so far as the Government are concerned.
Question No. 6.
I did not hear the reply to my question.
The Deputy was interrupting. He was not listening to the answer to his question. I am calling Question No. 6 to the Minister for Health.
The Taoiseach was interrupted by various members of the Cabinet.
On a point of order, I was not interrupting and I did not hear the answer to the question, so could we please have it repeated?
I will read it again. I am afraid the Deputies opposite were responsible for my not being heard because it was from that side I heard the noise. The answer is: Yes. It was not considered to be a suitable programme for participation so far as the Government are concerned.
If it is the aim of the Government to inform the British public on all possible occasions on the Cabinet's policy on the north, was this not a dereliction by the Government of such a policy?
The request was made to the members of the Governments and when it was followed up it was specifically stated that it was the Taoiseach who was to take part in this programme. The programme producers had already recorded an interview with a leading member of an illegal organisation for the same programme, and in order to take part in the programme it would be necessary for me or for whoever else would represent the Government to travel to Tyneside, if you please, at their request.
Is the Taoiseach pleading distance for the failure of his Cabinet to take part?
No. I am pleading that the occasion was entirely inappropriate for any member of the Government or for me to take part.