asked the Minister for External Affairs if the question of Partition was raised at the recent London talks with members of the British Government and if he is in a position to state whether any progress has been made towards its abolition, and further, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Partition Problem.
The recent negotiations in London were concerned solely with trade matters, and the question of Partition was not within their scope. The question of Partition was, however, raised informally at the recent talks with members of the British Government. From the point of view of definite results, I cannot say that any tangible progress was made. The urgency and importance of the problem was impressed upon the British Ministers, and, in so far as it is necessary that the British Government should have a clear understanding of the importance and urgency of ending Partition, I feel that progress was made.
I sincerely trust that these discussions will ensure a better understanding of our viewpoint and thus bring about a realisation that the continued division of our country against the wishes of an overwhelming majority of its people is not merely contrary to the principles of democracy and to the right of national self-determination, but a hindrance to the friendly relationship that should exist between our two islands.
Earlier in the House, I have indicated that, if this State is a drain on the resources of the United States or of the sterling area reserve, it is, in the main, due to the unnatural division of our country. Inversely, I should now like to take this opportunity of pointing out in all friendliness to our fellow-country men and women in the Six Counties that, if they are undergoing shortages and experiencing high taxation, it is also due to the fact that they are cut off from the rest of Ireland. The truth of the matter is that both portions of our country are economically complementary to each other. The Six County area has an adverse trade balance, varying from £5,000,000 to £7,000,000 annually, with us; on the other hand, it secures little or no advantageous return for its not inconsiderable overseas exports. The integration of our economies would enable a reduction in their taxation and would overcome many of the serious food shortages they now undergo. Their industrial and business genius would find increased and welcomed scope in our midst.
Would the Minister be prepared to give assurances that the rights of minorities would be safeguarded in the event of Partition being ended?
That is a question on Partition.
Under our Constitution, full and adequate safeguards are rigidly imposed to protect the religious and political minorities that may exist, but in so far as it might be suggested that these are inadequate to safeguard the views of any of our fellow-countrymen in the Six Counties, I think I can say, not merely on my own behalf but on behalf of any Irish Government, that we would be prepared to give them any other additional rights and guarantees that were reasonably required.