asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any representations have been made to the Government by Britain with a view to the establishment of a system whereby Irish citizens would require passports to enter Britain; and, if so, if he will indicate the Government's view on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Citizens Entry to Britain.
8.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. An answer to the second part does not therefore arise.
Could I ask the Minister if, in the event of a Soviet Embassy being established in Dublin, when the British Government would certainly insist on passports for Irish citizens—and I, for one, would approve of the idea of a Soviet Embassy— whether the Department would be able to gear themselves to provide these passports in time? It is obvious that the British Government will insist on passports for all Irish citizens. Has the Minister not thought of this? I know for a fact that the British will insist on such passports.
You do?
Yes. Is the Minister not aware of the fact?
It is not a fact. It is a hypothesis, but I am aware of the possibility.
This pretence goes on continuously in this House about Foreign Affairs. Will the Minister answer the question truthfully? Does he know about it or not?
The only solid statement of British policy has come from Deputy O'Connell at this time.
This is too slick.
No, it is not being slick.