asked the Taoiseach if the Government have considered the preparation of a blueprint for economic, social and political development for a thirty-two county State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Thirty-two County State Blueprint.
5.
Studies of this kind are part of the function of the inter-departmental unit on the North.
The Government have at all times made clear that any political, legal or economic framework for a thirty-two county Republic would take account of the views and wishes of communities in both parts of the country.
The work at present being done does not constitute the making of blueprints or definite plans for a united Ireland. Its function is to identify the various problems or questions which would arise, and to explore the possible solution to these issues.
Would the Taoiseach not consider it advisable to consider a blueprint for a thirty-two county Republic? If the Government and the Taoiseach's party talk about the national aim of a thirty-two county Republic, would he not think that a blueprint for a thirty-two county Republic should be prepared and be considered at this present time?
Certain studies are being done to take account of possible changes, changes that we might expect to come about and we are trying to take account of all contingencies as well as we can.
I mentioned political, social and economic——
I am calling Question No. 6.
Would the Taoiseach not consider preparing a blueprint and having it published for consideration by people in the North and in the South?
The Deputy has already asked that question.
I do not think that would be advisable at this stage.
What will be the relationship of the inter-departmental unit to which the Taoiseach referred to any possible developments on an inter-party committee basis? Could the Taoiseach say what is the extent of this inter-departmental unit? Which Departments are involved?
The Departments involved are my own Department, the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The inter-departmental unit have supplied information on the situation in the North of Ireland to many of those who have sought it, including foreigners and, indeed, many people within the North of Ireland. I think it would be possible for certain information to be made available by this unit to the inter-party committee when it is set up.
Providing that the all-party committee will be established. The Taoiseach has stated in public that this committee will consider economic and social changes to provide for a united Ireland. Will this be one of the functions of the committee?
Yes.
Can the Taoiseach say is this unit the nucleus of a full-time secretariat for an all-party committee of the House?
I think that an all-party committee of the House on any subject gets its secretariat from the public servants of the House. That precedent will probably be followed in this case.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that this committee will be different from previous committees? If this all-party committee is to be successful it must be seen to be the voice of the House and not just the voice of one party or one group.
I am still waiting for a response from one of the parties opposite to my suggestion. I cannot anticipate everything at this stage.
Not us.
The Taoiseach had better clear that up.
Not the Labour Party.
We have been waiting for a long time for the invitation.
This is only one of the aspects of the preliminaries on which I am awaiting some information. It is not a major matter.