asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his meeting on 6th July last with the British Foreign Secretary; the matters discussed thereat; and the arrangements for future similar meetings.
15.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Discussions with British Ministers.
14.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Northern Ireland situation was discussed at his recent meeting with the British Foreign Secretary.
16.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether his talks with the British Foreign Secretary will have any bearing on the current EEC application.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 14, 15 and 16 together.
I had a meeting with the British Foreign Secretary on 6th July. This was another in a regular series of informal meetings we have from time to time during which we discuss many matters of mutual interest. These include the EEC negotiations, our views on matters of international importance and the situation in the North.
Can the Minister state whether on that occasion the "Shoot to Kill" speech of Mr. Faulkner, which has resulted in the deaths of two unarmed Derry men, was discussed during that meeting? Is there anything in the Minister's brief which suggests that that speech of Mr. Faulkner's was discussed and its tragic implications of which we have seen the fatal results in Derry during the past week when two Derry men were evidently shot on that kind of suspicion?
I am certain that my colleague raised all matters that were relevant to be raised by him.
Can the Minister state whether that matter was raised? The speech was made, I think, something like three or four weeks before and this was the first official contact between a Minister of this Government and the British Government since that speech was made. Could the Minister tell the House authoritatively, since we are prevented by the archaic Rules of Order of this House from raising this matter here this afternoon, whether Mr. Faulkner's speech was discussed at that meeting?
The Deputy and the House can take it that my colleague raised every matter that needed to be raised in Ireland's interest.
Was that matter raised?
Was the role of the British Army raised?
In my original question I asked the Minister to state what arrangements had been made for future meetings of a like nature. I wonder would the Minister be good enough to answer that and say in particular what arrangements have been made to ensure that when an alarming situation develops in the North of Ireland, such as we now have, what lines of communication will be open and what personal contact will be made to ensure that the right decisions are taken and that the bad situation is not made a great deal worse because of ineffective communications between Dublin and London?
There is no question of ineffective communications. The communications are fully effective at all times.
For the third time, would the Minister please be good enough to say what arrangements have been made for future meetings between the Foreign Ministers of Ireland and Britain?
This is not done on a blueprint basis. Arrangements are adequate and effective for such consultation and communication as are necessary.
They appear to be most ineffective.
17.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his meeting in London on 6th July last with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster; the matters discussed thereat; and the arrangements for future similar meetings.
I discussed with Mr. Rippon the progress of the negotiations for membership of the European Communities and matters of mutual concern which arise from them. Further meetings may be arranged in the future if and when it is agreed that they would be useful.