andMr. Allen asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the frequently repeated statements by British parliamentarians, Press and people that their country's forces should be withdrawn from the Six Counties, he has made any preparations for such a withdrawal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Withdrawal of British Forces.
1.
It is not the practice of the Government to announce whether or not they have made preparations for hypothetical situations.
Will the Taoiseach state if the Government have had any discussions with the British Government, to ensure that that Government would take active political initiatives of the type that have not been taken in the last 12 months or two years?
As the Deputy knows, discussions between Governments are confidential.
I did not ask the Taoiseach to disclose details of the discussions. I asked him if he could indicate whether the Government had any discussions with the British Government to ensure that initiatives of the type that have not been taken would be pursued. The Taoiseach will be aware of the fact that there have been calls for this from many sources to restore political activity where a terrible vacuum exists at the moment. Will the Taoiseach state if the Government have insisted to the British Government that such steps be taken?
The Government have made clear our views on this matter.
That was not the question. Have the Government insisted that some political initiatives would be taken by the British Government to get rid of this terrible vacuum that is causing concern and continuing violence?
First, the answer is that it does not arise out of this question. The particular initiatives the Deputy has in mind have not been specified. We have made clear our view that we would welcome the restoration of political activity up there but, as the Deputy is aware, political activity is a two-way traffic.
Is the Taoiseach aware that many important bodies have expressed recently their concern regarding the obvious lack of any political initiative or anybody attempting to persuade the people who should take the initiative to take it? Would he not agree that this must be seen to be done, that any negotiations behind the scenes are not effective? Will he let the House know if our Government have taken steps to ensure that the British Government will take steps to get some political initiative established?
The Deputy will appreciate that one can bring horses to water but one cannot make them drink.
Are they being taken to the water?
It is certainly being provided.
This matter is too serious to warrant the trite reaction of the Taoiseach. Does he recognise at the moment that the decision whether to take any action rests entirely with the British Government? In those circumstances does he not see that there is an obligation on our Government to insist that they take a positive initiative so that those people who are waiting for this would have some degree of hope? Is it not up to our Government at least to remind the British Government that they have this obligation?
We do that. "Positive initiative" is a tremendously impressive phrase but there is nothing behind it. What does the Deputy suggest?
I refer the Taoiseach to our policy statement.
Ballyhoo.
Is the Taoiseach happy with the initiative that the present Government have taken in the last three years? I suppose the answer is in the negative?
No, the answer is not in the negative. What I notice is that a couple of the dissidents have surfaced in these questions. I do not know who drafted them but they have surfaced.
That is too tired——
I am calling Question No. 2.