asked the Minister for External Affairs whether any protest was made to the British Government in respect of the statement regarding the imposition of sanctions made by the British Home Secretary when he was in Ireland in December last; and, if so, if he will state the nature of such protest.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imposition of Sanctions: British Minister's Statement.
27.
Mr. Ryan
The answer is in the negative.
Mr. Ryan
Does the Minister seriously contend that he ought to let pass without comment the remarks of the British Home Secretary, made on Irish soil, suggesting that trade sanctions should be made against this country, particularly in view of the benefits the British people get by reason of the trade with this country?
As the Deputy is aware, there have been several versions of what Mr. Butler said in Belfast and there have been several interpretations of each version. The matter was the subject of a question in the British Parliament and it was answered officially that the British Government had no proposals in regard to sanctions under contemplation.
Mr. Ryan
Has it now come to this, that the Minister for External Affairs and the Government are prepared to accept whatever is said in the British House of Commons as being satisfactory for the Irish people?
The Deputy should grow up.
Even Mr. Butler's own Government did not take it seriously.