asked the Taoiseach if he is aware of any intention on the part of the Westminster Government to release the remainder of those interned in the North under the Special Powers Act; and if the Government will press for the release of these internees as a possible means to prevent a further deterioration in the Northern situation.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Ireland Situation.
1.
As I have already indicated, it is the view of the Government that there must be an immediate end to the British policy of internment without trial in Northern Ireland. The Deputy can be assured that the Government continue to take every step to make this view known to the British Government.
May I ask the Tánaiste, in the absence of the Taoiseach on his whistle stop tour, if he will state if the Taoiseach has made any personal representations to Mr. Whitelaw about this matter?
The Government issued a statement welcoming the initiatives proposed by Mr. Health, which, in fact, had been recommended by the Government and by the principal parties in this House. The Government will, from time to time through their own diplomatic procedures, convey any further messages or views in regard to the action to be taken. The Government do not propose to say anything further in public about the initiatives because we are aware that 90 per cent of the people in the North desire peace and wish to see an opportunity for the initiatives to be implemented.
Would the Tánaiste agree that the representations, be they behind doors or otherwise, have not been successful to date and that something further would need to be done?
The Deputy does not seem to understand the position. The Government said that they welcomed these initiatives——
I am talking about representations in respect of the release of the internees.
The initiatives have been in operation for only a few weeks. An opportunity must be given to the people in the North, 90 per cent of whom desire peace, to examine these initiatives to see whether peace cannot be secured. In the meantime, the Government at all times reserve their right to approach the British Government with regard to any detail concerning the implementation of the initiatives.
I am asking the Tánaiste if the Taoiseach has had any personal contact with Mr. Whitelaw.
Any consultations between the Taoiseach and members of the British Government will be held in the usual way.
Would the Tánaiste not agree that one of the greatest barriers to the establishment of peace is the continuance of internment?
Everybody hopes that the internees will be released, but the initiative lies with the British Government.
It is not enough to hope. Why not do something about it?
That is not the question I asked. Would the Tánaiste not agree that one of the greatest barriers to the establishment of peace is the continuance of internment?
Quite evidently the continuance of internment is a barrier to peace, but again I must stress that the Government have very pointedly said on a number of occasions that they wish the initiatives to play their full part in securing peace and the eventual release of all the internees.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply may I raise the matter on the Adjournment?
The Chair will communicate with Deputy O'Connell.