asked the Taoiseach whether he is aware that at the recent Fine Gael Ard Fheis the Minister for Education, referring to the stationing of Dutch forces in portion of our country, excused the action of Dutch soldiers in what he described as coming to the hem of Europe to prepare for possible dangers and possible threats to their own liberty; further, whether he is aware that the Minister, deploring the protests made by various responsible bodies here in connection therewith, said that it must be seen that the odd unworthy action of a group is not taken as representative of the heart of the people; and, further, if he will state whether the Government approved of the view-point expressed by the Minister.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Visit of Dutch Soldiers.
I am aware that the Minister for Education referred to the coming of a Netherlands air unit to the Six Counties, for training, in terms somewhat similar to those indicated in the first part of the Deputy's question, but whether his remarks could be described as "excusing" the action of that unit is a question of inference. The Government's attitude towards the action in this matter of the British Government and that of the Netherlands Government had already been made quite clear, and the Minister did not express any modification of that attitude.
I am also aware that the Minister for Education made a statement substantially to the effect indicated in the second part of the Deputy's question. Whether it is proper or advisable for individuals or groups to take any action, on their own responsibility, by way of protest against the coming of the Netherlands air unit, is a matter of opinion and does not necessarily involve Government policy. Lest there should be any misunderstanding on this point, however, I think it well to say that I personally agree with the Minister for Education in deprecating any such action.
Irrespective of the interpretation which may be put on the Minister's speech, would the Taoiseach agree that the Minister's statement is anything but a contribution towards the solution of Partition and indeed may have harmful effects in regard thereto?
I certainly entirely disagree with the suggestion put forward by the Deputy in his alleged supplementary question. I think the statement, speaking for myself personally, was an entirely proper one, with which I personally fully agree.
I am merely expressing the opinion of the people generally.
I think the Taoiseach was asked to speak on behalf of the Government, not personally. Surely it is not a question of speaking personally.
I have answered the question on behalf of the Government.
I thought the Taoiseach said he was speaking personally.
In answer to the supplementary.
How can the Taoiseach, as head of the Government, and responsible for the actions and pronouncements of all his Ministers, try to go a little bit of the way with the Minister for Education, a little bit of the way with the Minister for External Affairs and a little bit of the way with Deputy Con Lehane, unless he is going to be in the position of Lanna Machree's dog, going a little bit of the way with everybody?
I am not going a little bit of the way with anybody. I am going the entire way with every one of my colleagues.
Going around in a ring, in a circle.
I think, Sir——
Question No. 3.
I think, Sir, this is much too important——
Question No. 3.
I submit——
Question No. 3.
I give you notice that I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment because I want to know how the Taoiseach is going to go three ways at once.
Deputies
Chair.
As the Deputy has already explained what he wanted to explain on the Adjournment——
Are you taking notice of the fact that I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment?