I am not sure if Deputy Haughey is not inviting Deputy Blaney to come down to this part of the House where he could hear better. For the Deputy's information I shall start my reply again.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 to 23, inclusive, together.
As indicated in the Reports on Anglo-Irish Joint Studies presented to both Houses of the Oireachtas on 11 November 1981, a study carried out in 1981 into measures to promote mutual understanding recommended, in principle, the setting up of a formal scheme for the exchange of Irish and British civil servants.
The study was undertaken jointly by senior officials of the two Governments. In carrying out their task, the officials bore in mind the already close relations between the two countries and their common membership of the European Community. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Irish and British Governments was signed on 19 October 1984. The Memorandum of Understanding was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 24 October 1984; there is thus no question whatever of a secret agreement between the two Governments.
The Departments of Defence, Foreign Affairs and Justice will not take part in the exchange scheme nor was it ever intended that they should. Neither was it ever intended that Departments such as that of the Taoiseach, Finance, the Gaeltacht or Labour would be involved. It is, therefore, clear that all issues of national security, including our policy on neutrality, are absolutely excluded from the range of work areas envisaged under the agreement.
The Departments which it is envisaged might be involved in the exchanges are: Agriculture, Education, Environment, Fisheries and Forestry, Health, Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism. The participation of the Department of Social Welfare is also under consideration.
The exchanges on either side will not work in key positions or in sensitive areas in the respective administrations. Nevertheless, while working in Irish Government Departments, the British civil servants will be subject to the Treason Act, 1939, and the Official Secrets Act, 1963.
I am satisfied that the exchange scheme is not repugnant to the Constitution. I would add in passing that there is in any event no provision in either the Constitution or the Irish legal system for seeking the opinion of the Supreme Court on a memorandum of understanding of this kind.
To date no civil servants have been exchanged. It is intended that the scheme will come into effect early in 1985. About three exchanges each way at any one time are envisaged. Officials on each side will continue to be paid by their own Department and will receive allowances and travelling expenses between the two countries from that Department.
The exchange scheme is modelled on schemes operated between the civil services of several member states of the European Communities. It is perhaps worth noting that the main objections to the scheme hitherto voiced have been based on wrong or distorted information.