asked the Taoiseach what, if any, propaganda or information or cultural activities are being promoted by the Government in, or directed by the Government at, Northern Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Information Activities.
2.
The Government are not promoting any special activities of the kind in question in, or directed at, the north.
In the light of the Taoiseach's important statement, including the vote of confidence debate in which he spoke about creating a better climate of opinion in relation to the north and putting out the hand of friendship to the north, would the Taoiseach not agree that this necessarily implies some effort at persuasion by way of contact or dialogue there and would he not agree that we have not, in fact, done much—his answer, I think, shows that—in that particular line and that we ought now to do more?
The policy adopted by my predecessor and by me subsequently was directed at pursuing these very objectives but, as the Deputy is aware, other matters intervened and made the pursuance of that policy difficult.
When does the Taoiseach propose to commence his policy of peaceful persuasion towards the north and in what manner?
At a time when I believe it will be conducive to bringing about a climate of understanding between the north and the south.
Should not some effort be made now at this critical period?
The Deputy will appreciate that the position in the north at the present time is not conducive to any overt action. I think so, anyway.
Granted that the present time is not auspicious for appeals for unity, or political appeals of any kind, would the Taoiseach not carefully consider that it is at least very desirable that he himself should now make use of BBC or Ulster Television, or any other channel of communication available to him, to confirm directly to the people of Northern Ireland the peaceful policy which he has now announced here and to launch an appeal for a cessation of sectarian strife, drawing specific attention to attempts being made to bring a section of the people in the north into violent conflict with British troops?
I would, of course. I would consider any action of that sort as long as it would be conducive to bringing about the conditions to which the Deputy refers.
Would the Taoiseach even at this stage try to secure consultation with Mr. Wilson?
That is a different question.