asked the Taoiseach if he will elaborate on the way in which he expects to respond very positively to recent remarks by Unionist leaders on the possibility of a dialogue with this Government.
3.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Talks with Unionist Leaders.
2.
asked the Taoiseach the way in which he intends to respond to the comments made by the leader of the Official Unionist Party in a report (details supplied) in which he indicated that he would welcome an exchange of views with the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
As I stated last weekend, I greatly welcome the positive response of the Official Unionist leader, Mr. Molyneaux, and his interest in exploratory discussions at an intermediate level and I hope we can proceed fairly rapidly with these arrangements.
I will be glad to inform the House as soon as I have anything further to report on this whole issue.
Has a formal invitation been issued at this stage to Mr. Molyneaux or to any other Unionist leader? Secondly, have the Government made a decision that these talks should commence?
No formal invitation has been issued. The policy of the Government is enunciated by me on these matters from time to time.
Press reports have indicated that the Taoiseach's response is likely to be in public. Is that so, and when is it likely to take place? Secondly, Mr. Molyneaux indicated that he would be prepared to meet the Taoiseach in certain circumstances. Has the Taoiseach any idea of what these circumstances are in which Mr. Molyneaux would be prepared to met him?
I think it is stretching things a little to ask me to say what Mr. Mollyneaux has in his mind. The Deputy should accept that there is a very definite possibility for dialogue and I would hope that that would be warmly welcomed on all sides. It is my intention to progress this matter as sensitively and with as much understanding as possible. As I have said, I will be happy to report to the House as soon as I have anything specific to report.
I can assure the Taoiseach that I would welcome any possibilities of dialogue taking place with the Unionists. I certainly would regard it as a major breakthrough if the possibility we are now discussing here is actually brought to fruition. Following on the Taoiseach's reply to my supplementary question, may I ask him further if it is his intention to issue a formal invitation? Surely, even though the Taoiseach obviously can do as he wishes in his office, a formal Government decision should be recorded? If we are going to formalise any possibility of an invitation or otherwise, surely that would require a formal Government decision?
No, I would not think so. I think that would be most unusual. If the issuing of a formal invitation would appear to me to be helpful at any stage, I would immediately issue one. I would acknowledge the fact that Deputy Spring some considerable time ago made a suggestion for progress along the lines that are now taking place.
When does the Taoiseach expect to be in a position to forward a policy or position paper to the Unionist leaders?
I cannot say. As soon as I have anything of a specific nature to report, I will report to the House.
A final supplementary question from Deputy Mac Giolla.
Following on my last question, if one of the circumstances in which Mr. Molyneaux would be prepared to meet the Taoiseach were that it would be for the discussion of a new agreement within the context of Northern Ireland, would the Taoiseach be prepared to go ahead with discussions on that basis?
By far the wisest thing for me to do at this stage is to seek to have conversations, dialogue, discussions, without any preconditions of any kind.