It is proposed to take Nos. 3, 19 and 20. If not already reached, it is proposed to take No. 20 at 7 o'clock. There will be no Private Members' Business.
Order of Business.
On the Order of Business, I wonder can the Taoiseach tell us if he is in a position to inform the Dáil if he has received a reply from the British Prime Minister concerning his request to have a meeting in regard to the recent events in the North. Is the Taoiseach in a position to indicate in connection with the proposed visit by the Minister for External Affairs to the United Nations, if it is proposed formally to raise the question of Partition as the source of the present outbreak of violence in the North, or merely to inform the Secretary General of the position, or both?
In the first place, I have received an intimation from the British Prime Minister that he would be glad to see me. He was not at that stage—this was last evening—in a position to indicate when it would be possible to arrange a time. The Minister for External Affairs has by now, perhaps, left for New York to meet the Secretary General of the United Nations and, as was already announced, he is to inform the Secretary General fully of the present situation. Of course, he will put Partition in its proper perspective in relation to current affairs.
Can the Taoiseach say if the Minister for External Affairs proposes to raise this matter for full discussion at the UN or is he just going over to have a chat with U Thant and nothing else?
A statement has been made in reply to the question and that is as far as I want to go.
The Taoiseach will not say?
The Minister has gone to New York to inform the Secretary General of the position.
What is the point in that?
It is a very important point that it should be laid down that Partition is the cause of the trouble. When it goes there will be no more trouble.
It is time the Deputy thought of that.
I take it that time will be given for No. 2 on the Order Paper?
Perhaps the Deputy would remember that tomorrow and I may be able to suggest a suitable date.
Can the Taoiseach indicate to the House what legislation it is proposed to enact before the Dissolution?
Which Dissolution?
The first one.
Does the Deputy mean the Summer Recess?
Dissolution is different from Recess. It has a precise constitutional connotation.
When will we have the shakeout?
Is the Deputy referring to Dublin Corporation?
The Minister for Local Government is afraid of Dublin Corporation.
We will give you plenty of time to settle your differences.
Is the Deputy trying that seat on for size in view of his disappointment about the mayoral chair?
No disappointment whatever.