Vol. 397 No. 5
11 Mr. Spring asked the Taoiseach if, in the light of recent developments in the Birmingham Six case, he expects the matter to be raised in his next meeting with the British Prime Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
12 Mr. Spring asked the Taoiseach if he will discuss with the British Prime Minister at his next meeting with her the effects on Irish exports to Britain of the continued weakness of sterling; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.
It is not the practice to anticipate publicly the subjects to be discussed at such meetings. The Deputy will be aware that I raised the Birmingham Six case with the British Prime Minister at our meeting in December last. The Deputy will also be aware that I have welcomed the announcement of a new investigation into certain aspects of the Birmingham Six case.
I take it from the tenor of the Taoiseach's reply that he will be raising the matter of the Birmingham Six with the British Prime Minister at the next meeting. Will the Taoiseach be raising the question of Britain joining the EMS, given the difficulties experienced by Irish exporters at present and the difficulties in relation to the fact that Britain has remained outside the EMS despite, it would appear, 99 per cent of Britain, including most members of the British Cabinet, wanting to join the EMS? Will the Taoiseach be raising that matter with the British Prime Minister?
As the Deputy knows, there is protocol involved in these matters. My meeting with the British Prime Minister on this occasion and indeed with the other Heads of Government in the Community will deal primarily with the question of German unification and developments in Eastern Europe but who knows into what areas conversations of these kinds may stray once they start.
Would the Taoiseach share the concern which exists in this and other European countries about the fact that Britain has decided to stay outside the EMS? Would the Taoiseach share the view that this is not in the best interests of the European Community and its development?
That is a very specific question.
It would be helpful from our own national point of view if Britain joined the European Monetary System. I think we would all wish to see all members of the Community members of that system, which has served this country particularly well.
