asked the Taoiseach whether he is considering any further initiative in relation to the present situation in Northern Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Six Counties Situation.
1.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to questions addressed to me on this subject on the 4th February in this House.
I am prepared to enter into discussions with the authorities in London or Belfast if it should appear to be timely and would be conducive to promoting greater understanding and co-operation among all the people of Ireland.
My colleague, Deputy Murphy, had a fit of coughing in the course of the Taoiseach's reply. Would he repeat the first part?
I refer the Deputy to my reply to questions addressed to me on this subject on 4th February in this House.
The Taoiseach said something about being prepared to enter something with somebody in Belfast or London, no?
I said I am prepared to enter discussions—I thought it was Deputy Murphy who wanted me to repeat it.
No.
Oh, he distracted the Deputy. I see. I am prepared to enter into discussions with the authorities in London or Belfast if it should appear to be timely and if it would appear to be conducive to promoting co-operation and goodwill between the people of Ireland.
Is the Taoiseach satisfied with the progress of reform in the area or has he noted the growing strength of reactionary forces in the Unionist Party?
I replied to the Deputy on those lines on 4th February.
Does the Taoiseach think that the situation calls for any meeting with Mr. Wilson to get an authoritative viewpoint from him, a correct assessment of the progress of reform in the area?
I do not think it would be timely for me to see Mr. Wilson on that point just now.
Has the Taoiseach abandoned the idea of seeing Mr. Wilson altogether?
No.
The Taoiseach will remember that he promised last May that he would try to see him?
Circumstances changed.
The situation does not warrant the Taoiseach's seeing Mr. Wilson now, is that the idea?
Oh, no. I did not suggest that at all.
The Taoiseach is suggesting nothing.
I am just saying that it is not timely just now. I do not think it would be in the best interests of what the Deputy and I would like to achieve.
Would the Taoiseach say whether there has been a diminution in the interest of this Government in events in the north since August and May of last year?
On the contrary.
Can the Taoiseach give any evidence of continuing interest in the problem in the area? The Taoiseach has just said that he sees no point in meeting Mr. Wilson.
I did not say I did not see any point. I said it would not be timely just now and I do not think it would produce the results that we all desire to achieve.
Is the Taoiseach satisfied that there is a similar continuation of interest in the British Government in the problem? Is he satisfied that on their part, there is a realisation of the vital importance of preventing a right wing takeover in the north and that they are prepared and that they understand how serious this could be for peace in the north and, indeed, in this country generally?
I am perfectly satisfied that the British Government are conscious of the seriousness of the situation in the north.
The Taoiseach does not know. He has not seen them.
I do not have to talk to Mr. Wilson myself.
He probably refused to see the Taoiseach anyhow.
That is not true. I did not ask him.
May be be thought it would be better——
I do not think that is true. If the British Premier thinks it is opportune and timely I think he would see me.
Did the Taoiseach ask him?
I asked him in May of last year and I said that circumstances have since changed.
Question No. 2.
Just a minute. We take it, therefore, that the Taoiseach and the Government are standing idly by?
That is not true.
Can the Taoiseach say whether he has any information on the pace at which the promised reforms are being implemented?
I am satisfied that the British Government are anxious to ensure that the pace would be adequate to meet the situation.
Question No. 2.
The House is somewhat puzzled about how the Taoiseach can say that he is well-informed on the present approach of the British Government to the policy. As Deputy FitzGerald has said, they have been in continuous touch with the problem now for some months——
I have a pigeon loft at home. Surely the Deputy must realise——
I do not know what is in the Taoiseach's pigeon loft but I will raise this on the Adjournment.
——that there are means available to us, through diplomatic and other channels. It is naïve to suggest that because I have not been speaking direct to Mr. Wilson I do not know what is in the mind of the British Government.
Since I am not satisfied with the Taoiseach's reply, I wish to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.