asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations the Government have made or propose to make to the Government of Libya with regard to the recent statements made by Colonel Khaddafi on his continuing policy of support for the IRA; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - IRA Support.
35.
I assume the Deputy's question relates to a recent interview with Colonel Khaddafi in the Italian newspaper II Tempo a report of which was carried in The Irish Times on 10th November.
According to the accompanying news agency story, Colonel Khaddafi, in reply to a question from the interviewer, said that Libya backs the IRA. Colonel Khaddafi did not say this explicity and I am not sure that the actual text of his reply, which was also carried in translation by The Irish Times, and which I have since had checked, bears quite the interpretation given to it by the news agency.
The opposition of the Irish Government to support for illegal organisations is well known to the Government of Libya from representations which have already been made to them on this subject. I would also recall that, as the Deputy will be aware, a delegation of members of the Oireachtas visited Libya in April of this year. During their visit the delegation availed of the opportunity to stress to the Libyan authorities the opposition of the Government and of all parties represented in Dáil Éireann to any recourse to violence in relation to the Northern Ireland problem.
In view of the fact that there is, apparently, a public feeling that Colonel Khaddafi has in fact been expressing continuing support for the IRA—there may be that area of doubt the Minister has referred to —does the Minister not think it would be worth while and important that he should reiterate whatever it is this parliamentary representation may have done? I presume they were not an officially-accredited delegation from this House, and that the Minister should reiterate to the Libyan authorities that, if there is any grounds for this, we totally reject any such assistance or support?
We have done this. The Libyan authorities are aware of our position. From the full text of the interview the position taken up by Colonel Khaddafi certainly seems different from and more moderate than previous expressions. I am not sure that, at this moment, further representations would necessarily be helpful. I think that Colonel Khaddafi, is aware of our views, not merely from our representations but from those of other friendly States which have tried to explain the position to him. There is some evidence on this occasion perhaps from the tone of his reply, that these representations have had some effect.
In a matter of life and death like this the Minister will appreciate that if we have not made any further representations on what may have been a misrepresented position, we should, in the meantime, make it quite clear that we are greatly concerned at even the rumour, if nothing else—there may be more than that to it—that such support is continuing.
I understand the Deputy's concern. I will consider the matter further in the light of what he says. It is a question of judging what action would be most likely to produce the result we desire but I will consider it further in the light of what the Deputy says.
I gather the Minister will not be here next week. Perhaps the House would allow him finish his last three questions?
Certainly.