asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is the policy of the Government to discourage Irish citizens from visiting countries the Governments of which pursue racist policies and the persecution of minorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Policy on Racism.
37.
It is not the policy of the Government to interfere with the normal freedom of citizens to travel abroad. This attitude is not conditioned by the form of Government of the countries to which they wish to travel.
Does the Minister envisage the creation of diplomatic relations with some countries which are known to be racist and to persecute the minority? Would that be a guiding principle for him not to set up relations with these countries?
I do not think that arises on this question by any conceivable stretch of Deputy Moore's imagination. The question relates to travel, and our position is as stated. We do not take any steps to prevent our citizens from travelling to any other countries. That is not the practice of this Government, and that is what the question relates to.
I thought, Sir, that you were the arbiter of order in the House, not the Minister.
Has the Deputy a specific question?
I asked the Minister does he envisage setting up diplomatic relations with a country which is racist in outlook and which persecutes——
That does not seem to arise on this question. The Deputy may raise it at another time.