asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the reasons for his meeting with a group of US Senators in Dublin on the weekend of November 10-11; the capacity in which the group was visiting Ireland; the topics discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meeting with US Senators.
1.
In line with the Government's policy of maintaining friendly relations and contacts with US legislators in the interests of promoting knowledge of Irish positions and of mutual understanding between our countries, I agreed to meet a group of US Senators who were passing through Dublin en route to further engagements in Europe. The discussions dealt with Northern Ireland, European Community and international affairs and the Irish economy.
Could I ask the Taoiseach if the question of Irish neutrality was dealt with during these discussions, in view of the fact that it has been reported that he received a briefing on this matter from US Embassy officials?
No, Sir. The subject, like King Charles's head, was absent from this, as from many other occasions where he seems to think it should be raised.
A Cheann Comhairle, I think it is quite in order to raise the question, as it would appear that the matter was discussed between the Taoiseach and officials of the US Embassy. Could the Taoiseach indicate whether the question of Nicaragua was discussed and whether he expressed the concern of the Irish Government in relation to pressure being placed on that country and interference with it? That is of some relevance.
I am afraid it would not be in order for the Deputy to go through a list — whether long or short — and query whether this, that or the other matter had been dealt with. He is at liberty to ask the Taoiseach what was dealt with. He cannot conduct a cross-examination.
The question is whether the pressure being exerted at present by the United States Government on Nicaragua was raised with this group and whether the Taoiseach expressed Government concern on the matter.
It would appear to the Chair that the Deputy intends to go through a list of topics and ask was each of them dealt with. The Chair thinks that would be an abuse of Question Time.
Does that mean that the Taoiseach is not going to be allowed to answer the question?
As I said to the Deputy, I have no objection to his asking the Taoiseach one question — what was dealt with. I am not going to allow each topic to be taken up and dealt with individually.
In the course of his reply, the Taoiseach indicated that international affairs were discussed. I think it reasonable to ask, in view of the international situation and present US policy in relation to Nicaragua, if the Taoiseach expressed Government concern at US interference with Nicaraguan sovereignty.
I cannot allow the Deputy to proceed as he appears to be going to proceed. If this is the end of it, I shall allow the Deputy to ask the question.
In my personal discussions with the US Senators, I concentrated, in the brief time at my disposal, on issues related to Northern Ireland. Other issues were discussed while they were here, but I would not be in a position to go into the details about that in respect of other discussions at official level. I had a very short time available to have a briefing session with the Senators and I concentrated on the question of Northern Ireland during my personal discussions.
Could the Taoiseach indicate the response of the Senators to the Taoiseach's position on Northern Ireland?
The reaction was generally very sympathetic to the point of view that I expressed in the brief time at my disposal.
Questions Nos. 2 and 3 postponed.