asked the Taoiseach if the plan he put forward at the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis to solve the Northern problem has been communicated to Mr. Heath or Mr. Faulkner; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Ireland Situation.
1.
asked the Taoiseach if he has discussed his plan for a solution to the Northern problems with the Opposition leaders, north or south.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
I have had discussions with Opposition leaders both from the North and the South on the Northern Ireland situation on a number of occasions. The suggestions contained in my speech to the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis on the 19th February represent the policy of the Government. I am quite sure that my speech came to the attention of all interested parties. The text was given to the British authorities, subsequent to delivery, through the usual channels.
How many of the points in the Taoiseach's formula agree with those that have been suggested to be on the way from Mr. Heath?
No formula has been suggested to me as being on the way from Mr. Heath.
I have no doubt the Taoiseach has read reports in the newspapers about suggestions which are expected to come from Mr. Heath and he will agree that more than likely they will be along the lines suggested in the newspapers?
There is a rather significant difference in the suggestions I made when I counselled the British Government to realistically face up to the problem of internment and suggested the establishment of an interim commission. These are two points of differences I would think.
Would the Taoiseach like to comment on some of the reports that have come from Britain?
No, I am not disposed to comment on newspaper accounts.
3.
asked the Taoiseach if the Government have established any body or commission to examine aspects of the Constitution of 1937 which might be seen as requiring amendment or alteration in the context of a reunited Ireland; and, if so, if he will state the composition of this body and if interested parties in the North have been or will be consulted.
Discussions, on the subject, with the Leaders of the two parties opposite are still in train.
Did the Taoiseach not say some time ago in the House that the Attorney General was examining various aspects of the Constitution or did he not intimate in some way that there might be a commission looking into the 1937 Constitution?
I cannot recall the exact reference. If the Deputy will give me some details of it I will communicate with him.
I think the Taoiseach said discussions are still in train. Is it like the west Clare railway? How long is this going on? When does the Taoiseach intend to bring it to a conclusion?
Let the Deputy not put his foot in it.
The Deputy has often put his foot in it in the same way as the Taoiseach who put his foot in it and did not get it out of it yet.
I should tell the Deputy for the benefit of Deputies opposite that I got a letter at the end of last week from Deputy Cosgrave clearing up one point. I put that point to Deputy Corish. He got my letter only today. I spoke to him subsequently and I expect to hear from him very soon clearing up the point that has been cleared with Deputy Cosgrave.
Surely the Minister mentioned this over two years ago and then had no communication with the Leaders of the Opposition for over a year. He is making political propaganda and doing very little about it.
(Interruptions.)
I take it the Taoiseach did not mean that Deputy Corish was now holding up the matter?
No.
In fact the point which has been raised by Deputy Cosgrave is one which he has now raised for the first time with the Taoiseach.
This is a point we had been discussing between the three of us. It concerns representation on the committee. I received Deputy Cosgrave's views at the end of last week. Let me be quite frank about this: unfortunately, because of the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis I did not then communicate with Deputy Corish. I have since done so and I spoke to Deputy Corish today. I do not expect an answer from him immediately.
Would the Taoiseach be able to give any indication of when this committee will be set up?
I should say in a week or so, now——
Has the Taoiseach had any change of mind about the possibilities of arriving at a change in the Constitution now rather than waiting for a united Ireland situation? Has he clarified his own mind on this matter yet?
I should like to wait until the establishment of this committee before we proceed any further.