asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will give the names of the delegates of this country to the London conference on nationality and citizenship; and if he will state whether the delegation will be instructed to raise, at the conference, the question of the residence permit system in operation in Northern Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nationality and Citizenship Conference.
The delegates to the conference have been the secretary, legal adviser and another officer of the Department of External Affairs, the principal assistant to the Attorney-General, and an officer of the Department of Justice.
As the Deputy is aware, I have already made strong representations on a number of occasions in regard to the residence permit system in operation in the Six Counties. I do not know whether an opportunity for discussing this question will arise at the conference, but, if it should, the Deputy may be assured that it will be availed of.
In the event of this very important question not arising at the conference, would it be possible for the Taoiseach to instruct the delegates to see that the matter will be raised?
You cannot raise any question you like at these conferences. There is a certain purpose for which the conference is called and the conference has to be governed by certain rules of order.
Would it not be possible for the delegates appointed to represent this State to give notice of motion with regard to the matter and have it placed on the agenda?
The representatives are just as anxious as the Deputy to deal with this question and they are just as capable of looking after it, if the opportunity is afforded.
There is no harm in reminding the Taoiseach.
He does not need to be reminded of things like that.
But you will not make the representations now?
The Deputy knows perfectly well that I cannot change legislation in another country.