Jim O'Keeffe
Question:11 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline his views on internment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Internment.
I do not imagine that the Deputy is seeking to elicit my views in the abstract on a subject of this nature. I assume, therefore, that his question is designed to ascertain if the introduction of internment is being contemplated by the Government. The answer is that it is not.
There is a fairly broad consensus, with which I agree, that internment either North or South would be counterproductive at the moment.
Would the Minister agree that internment could not and indeed should not be excluded in the event of a Northern Ireland political settlement endorsed by the people which was resisted by force by a tiny minority? Would he agree it would not do any harm to those who are slow at the moment to continue with political dialogue in Northern Ireland to be aware of that view?
We are ranging in the area of speculation now in relation to very serious matters, and I do not intend to indulge in speculation.