asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his recent discussions with Mr. Wilson.
5.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Talks with Mr. Wilson.
4.
asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement concerning his recent meeting with Mr. Harold Wilson on the question of Northern Ireland.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 4 and 5 together.
My conversations with Mr. Wilson, in which other members of the Government also participated, were informal and confidential by mutual agreement. In the circumstances I am not in a position to say more than that they covered all aspects of Anglo-Irish relations relevant to the situation in the North, with particular reference to the problems created by current British policy.
Can the Minister say whether the Taoiseach discussed the Compton Report with Mr. Wilson?
The Tánaiste answered that question yesterday when he replied in the affirmative but the Deputy will see that the question I have answered on behalf of the Taoiseach says that the conversations were covered by a mutual agreement of confidence and for that reason I do not wish to go into details.
Can the Minister say whether the foolish policy of the British Army in relation to the cratering of roads between the Six Counties and the Republic was discussed with Mr. Wilson and, if not, would he bring to the attention of the British Army this foolish policy which is alienating moderate opinion on this side of the Border and which caused the death last week of a constituent of mine?
All aspects of Anglo-Irish relations relative to the situation in the North with particular reference to the problems created by current British policy were discussed. Anything that the Deputy can think of is covered by that.
Yes, the answer could cover anything.
This foolish policy on the part of the British Government is gaining them nothing but is creating much ill-feeling on this side of the Border. Therefore, would the Minister bring this to the attention of the British Government?
This is somewhat removed from the question that was tabled. However, I would say that the foolishness of the situation has been brought on many occasions to the notice of the British authorities. But the Deputy must remember that this foolish action was taken by the British Government, and when one is talking to people who were foolish enough to introduce policies of that kind one cannot expect much reaction to his representations.
Can the Minister say whether Mr. Wilson mentioned any possible changes in the Irish Constitution that might be necessary to enable us to help the situation in the North?
The Deputy should take it that, when the Taoiseach's reply says we will not discuss details of the meeting, we will not do so.
Would the Minister elaborate on that, please?
Question No.6.
There was mutual agreement not to talk publicly about what went on at the meetings.