asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Irish Ambassador in London has been instructed to make representations to the British Government regarding recent developments in Northern Ireland and the activities of the so-called Ulster Volunteer Force.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Ireland Developments.
44.
I can assure the Deputy that the British Government are fully aware of our views on the subject.
Would the Minister agree that recent court proceedings in the north show that the courts there cannot be relied on at present to sentence offenders who belong to Orange terrorist organisations? Would he further agree that this situation presents a serious threat to lives and property not only in the north but within the universally accepted jurisdiction of this State and would he impress on the British authorities the urgent necessity of bringing this situation to an end?
I can only repeat on behalf of the Minister for External Affairs that we avail of every opportunity to make our views on all these matters fully known.
Surely the Minister agrees that this situation is so grave and delicate at present that a routine answer of this kind and routine contacts of the kind that seem to be maintained are not adequate and that the Government are failing in their duty in the situation?
No.
In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory replies, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
I hope the Deputy is not attributing my unsatisfactoriness to my colleague the Minister for External Affairs?
In no way.
I always intend to be as unsatisfactory as I can to the Deputy.