asked the Taoiseach if he will make immediate representations to the British Government to ensure that searches for arms in Northern Ireland, and in particular in Belfast city, are carried out in an impartial manner.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Ireland Arms Searches.
1.
The views of the Government on the need for impartiality in arms searches in the North and on allied matters are well known to the British Government.
If the views of the Government are so well known, could the Taoiseach even now tell the people of the country what are those views? Surely the Taoiseach is aware that there is selective justice in Northern Ireland, just as we have here? Raids are being carried out at all hours on the homes of the minority, doors are broken down and people are being roused from their beds. Does the Taoiseach intend to stand idly by while all this is happening?
We have made continuous representations on these matters. I should like to refer the Deputy to a public statement I made in February, adverting specifically to this fact. Before and since then we have continued to make our views known to the British Government.
Can the Taoiseach state if he has had any results from this? Surely the Taoiseach is aware that last week a man was sentenced to one year in jail because he shouted "Up the IRA"? People who were shouting "To hell with the Pope" and "Up the UVF", et cetera were not——
I would remind the Deputy that the question relates to searches for arms.
As regards searches for arms, has the Taoiseach now the zeal of a convert? Can he see nothing wrong with the British Government or the actions of the British Army in Belfast at the present time?
So long as there are discriminatory practices in this matter or in any other way, it will be our continuous duty and our purpose to ensure that these are eliminated.
While it may be the Taoiseach's continuous duty and purpose, has the Taoiseach had any result so far?
We cannot discuss this question all afternoon. I am calling Question No. 2.