asked the Taoiseach if it is correct, as reported in the Press of November 16th, that in a speech at Washington, U.S.A., the Minister for Agriculture proposed a customs union between Britain, U.S.A., Canada, Australia and Ireland for ten years; whether such proposal was made with the authority and approval of the Government; and, if so, whether he will make a statement explaining the Government's policy in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ministerial Speeches Abroad.
I have seen Press reports of a statement made by the Minister for Agriculture on the subject referred to in the Deputy's question. The Minister clearly emphasised that he was expressing his own views and not those of the Government. Since he was speaking as an individual, and not for the Government, the question whether his views in this matter have the approval of the Government does not arise, nor does the question of Government policy.
Does the Taoiseach think it desirable that a Minister travelling abroad on official business representing the State should publicise proposals, particularly proposals bearing upon the country's external relations, which are not in accord with Government policy?
I have made it clear that it is obvious to everybody that the Minister was expressing personal views and said so. As long as that is clear, I see no objection to what the Minister has done.
Does the Taoiseach think it necessary, or does he propose to take any action, to correct any false impressions as to the Government's policy which might have been created by this statement of the Minister for Agriculture?
I do not think that any false impression has been created by the utterances of the Minister for Agriculture. He made it clear that his views were what he called radical and that radical views would not be accepted. The Deputy will probably appreciate that many views which at the time of their utterance were radical or idealistic subsequently became practical. There is no question of that at the moment.
Am I to take it that the Taoiseach has given approval to the practice of Ministers, travelling abroad as official representatives of this State, publicising radical views, personal views, which are not representative of the opinions of the Government or of anybody here? Are we to understand from his reply to my question that that practice by a Minister has his endorsement and that it is likely to be repeated?
The only thing I will repeat is that what the Minister has said abroad does not call for any action on my part.
Would the Taoiseach be good enough to inform the House whether the expenses of this Minister abroad are being borne by the State?
That is a separate question.
No, I think it arises out of the Taoiseach's reply.
I cannot say definitely, but I presume so, and believe so—and very properly so, because the Minister is doing very good work in Washington on behalf of the State.