asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government Ministers who participated in the recent Dublin meeting of the Trilateral Commission; whether the Government endorse the objects and policies of the commission; and whether such policies are consistent with our traditional policy of neutrality.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trilateral Commission.
6.
A European regional meeting of the Trilateral Commission was held in Dublin on 23-24 November. Three members of the Government, An Tánaiste, the Minister for Finance and myself, addressed the meeting. My own remarks on Irish foreign policy were given at a session devoted to presentation of the Irish scene.
The commission is a private non-Governmental body and the question of Government endorsement of its objectives and policies does not arise, neither does the question of Irish neutrality. I might say, however, that the commission has produced a number of analytical reports touching on the need to revitalise the international system, particularly in the economic field. Some of these reports have stirred wide interest and have made a useful contribution to discussion of such issues.
The Minister says that this is a private organisation. I would go further——
Would the Deputy please ask a question? I do not want statements.
Would the Minister agree that it is an organisation whose purpose it is to influence the foreign policies of different countries in the interests of American foreign policy? Is that not their purpose? Is that not why they spent two days here, and what did they do?
I reject totally the Deputy's allegations and imputations. The members of the Trilateral Commission, which is a private non-governmental organisation includes a wide range of backgrounds, businessmen, trade unionists, lawyers, academics, journalists, ex-Government officials and politicians, and on the day——
All extremely conservative.
——on which I spoke I was glad to hear a most illuminating and stimulating address from Mr. Donal Nevin, Secretary of the ICTU.
It would not surprise me.
Ceist a 7.
If the Deputy wants to gallop alone he may do so.
(Interruptions.)
Ceist a 7.