Ruairí Quinn
Question:1 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if he has sent a message of congratulations to the Prime Minister-elect of Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Israeli Government.
Negotiations are currently in progress on the formation of the next Israeli Government. I propose to send a message of congratulations, in accordance with standard practice, as soon as those negotiations have been concluded and the new Prime Minister has been appointed.
In view of the success of our Labour Party counterparts in Israel would the Taoiseach say whether, in his letter of congratulation to their Prime Minister-elect, he will be able to confirm that our Government will be prepared to accede to their request to open an Israeli Embassy in Dublin city?
That is a separate question. If the Deputy wishes to table another question it will be answered.
I have a question tabled to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, No. 67 on today's Order Paper. Would the Taoiseach convey his view to his colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, between now and the issuing of the reply to that question?
This is rather an irregular way of going about matters, Deputy.
We must maintain the standards of open Government the Taoiseach has set.
That is a bit too open.
If it is a separate question, no doubt between now and replying to it the Taoiseach will be able to indicate what is the Government's policy in relation to the matter.
The Deputy must await the reply to that question.
As the Taoiseach referred to "standard practice", would he indicate what is "standard practice"? Have the Government availed of the opportunity to express their sympathy to the people of Algeria on the assassination of their Head of State?
That is a separate matter. This question deals with a message of congratulation to the Prime Minister-elect of Israel.
Would the Taoiseach answer the first of my questions?
We are simply following standard practice which is that, when the Israeli Government is elected, and the Prime Minister elected our Government will send the normal congratulatory message.