asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to reports concerning the decision of the resident magistrate on 17th June, 1974, in a prosecution brought by the Northern Ireland Fisheries Conservancy Board in Cushendall petty sessions, County Antrim; and the steps the Government propose to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Jurisdiction Decision.
19.
I have seen the reports to which the Deputy refers. I have also seen reports that the case may be going to appeal. It would be inappropriate for the Government to intervene in any way in these proceedings.
I am not quite clear from the Minister's reply whether he is calling into being the sub judice rule. In this case it is not a question of interfering in proceedings. I am merely asking the Minister to state the Government's attitude to the general principles on which the resident magistrate based his decision. That is not in any way interfering with the proceedings which may follow.
I do not propose to do that at this stage.
Why not?
If the Deputy refers to the answers given by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, on his side of the House, to questions put by our side of the House he will see the pattern.
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be relying on what his predecessor did? The Minister has taken some commendable initiatives in many areas and can the Minister justify, in his own right, the present Government's attitude in this matter?
The position at present is that there are legal proceedings pending in British courts on an issue which is a domestic issue as posed. It would not be appropriate for us to take up a position on this at present.
When the Minister says it is not appropriate for the Government to take up a position do I take it from that the Government have no position?
No, the Deputy may not take that.
The Government have a position but cannot disclose it?
The position is complex both in legal and political terms, as the Deputy is no doubt aware.
Have the Government a position?