asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he has made formal representations to the British Government about internment in Northern Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Ireland Internment.
8.
The Government's views about the consequences of the introduction of obviously one-sided internment in the North have been made clear to the British Government.
When I put down the question I underlined the word "formal" because I wanted it put in italics. I am not suggesting that anybody interfered with it in any way, but it did not appear that way. Will the Minister answer the question whether he has made formal representations, underlining the word "formal"? The meaning is quite clear. If the Minister is worth his job he should know the answer.
I think I see what the Deputy wants. In the particular circumstances of the case the Government decided that a direct as well as a public approach should be made, making it quite clear to the British what we thought of one-sided internment in a situation where political action was required. A formal representation we felt would be less useful in the situation. Is that what the Deputy wants?
I accept that from the Minister, but what reply did the Government get from the British Government?
That is a separate question.
I have repeatedly told the House that representations made in private, or in conversations, or any discussions we have about it are matters which I do not feel free to publicise. The Deputy is aware of the public replies to the public statements made about interment since the beginning.
The Minister seems to imply that what he is saying is: "We have informal discussions with representatives of the British Government and we make public statements. In the informal discussions we are, in fact, saying to them: ‘Do not mind this. We have to make these noises.'"
This is very far from the truth. Let me make it quite clear that the British Government can be in no doubt whatever about how every Irish person feels about this, publicly and privately.
Question No. 9.
It seems to me that the Minister implies that these are only noises made for electoral purposes.
That is not the method of the Fianna Fáil Party.
It is one fraud they will not get away with.
I can assure the House that what we have said in public is not as strong as what we have said in private.
We would like to hear that.