asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will set up consulates in some of the major British cities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Establishment of Consulates.
25.
There are no immediate plans to set up consulates in some of the major British cities. We are always prepared to consider the advantages of having offices in Britain outside of the embassy in London and we have in fact a trade office in Liverpool. I am satisfied, however, that the embassy in London is at present able to offer all necessary consular protection to our citizens.
Is the Minister aware that social workers in some of the major cities are anxious that such consulates be set up as focal points for the Irish communities in those cities?
I do not think I have had representations to that effect but I do not want to be dogmatic about it. I am not aware of that. The Deputy will appreciate that Irish citizens in Britain have the privileges of British citizens and are in a different position from others and that if we were to have consular offices and to treat them as citizens of Ireland in a foreign country in the ordinary way it could, perhaps, have an adverse effect on their status and position in Britain. Without going into much detail, the Deputy will appreciate that there are advantages for our citizens in being so fully accepted and having the full privileges of British citizenship.
Would the Minister accept that my question was directed to the social field rather than to the political? He seemed to attach more importance to the political implications of such consulates.
I take the Deputy's point. I had not appreciated what particular aspect he was concerned with and I accept what he says.
Would the Minister make the strongest possible representations to the British Government to ensure that no parliamentary representative in Britain will do anything to incite any further hostile or emotional reaction to the Irish community in Britain?
This is a separate matter. It has nothing to do with the question before me.
It arises on the Minister's interpretation of the question. The Minister himself acknowledged that he interpreted this as relating to the political aspect.
I am sorry, I am dealing with Question No. 25 and I cannot allow any extension of that question.
I am sure the Minister shares my concern on this very important matter. I am not trying——
The Deputy may not circumvent the ruling of the Chair.
If the Chair would allow me, I think this House should express its concern to the British Government that no parliamentary representative in Britain will do anything to incite further any hostile reaction among the community to the Irish community there.
This is a separate question.
Will the Minister do that if he has not already done so? I think the Minister should respond. All I am asking is that he make representations.
I would like to remain within the rules of order.