asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he has had, or will have, consultations with the Swiss Government with reference to reports that a Swiss intelligence officer was making arrangements to reserve accommodation in Ireland for a Swiss Government in exile in Ireland; and, having regard to the unacceptability of any foreign country using the territory of this neutral State for purposes unknown to the Irish Government, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Swiss Government Report.
168.
I have not had consultations with the Swiss Government on the matter raised by the Deputy.
The matter came to public attention in the first instance as a result of the publication of a report by a Swiss parliamentary committee which was set up to inquire into the activities of a former officer of the Swiss Federal Military Department. Among the matters considered by the committee were the officer's activities in Ireland.
My understanding is that while the officer concerned had private property investments in Ireland, no decision was taken by the Swiss Government to choose a location for a Swiss Government-in-exile in Ireland. Such an arrangement, however hypothetical, could, of course, only be implemented on the basis of prior consultation and the consent of the Irish authorities.