asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the deterioration of the situation in Northern Ireland, he will consider initiating tripartite discussions between the Government here, the British Government, and the Stormont Government, with a view to finding a solution to this problem.
Private Notice Questions: - Talks on Northern Ireland.
asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the grave situation in Northern Ireland, he will state what action the Government proposes to take in the matter and if he will make a statement.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take both Private Notice Questions together.
I have found it necessary to express publicly the Government's anxiety about the deterioration of the situation in the North. I did this in the statement I issued last Saturday 6th February in which I drew attention to matters which we believe to have contributed seriously to the deterioration.
In doing so it was my intention to reassure the minority and calm the situation by making it clear that this Government is fully aware of the situation, is concerned about it and is actively engaged in exercising its influence in the matter.
I am not convinced that Deputy Cosgrave's suggestion is a practical one at the present time.
Has the Taoiseach considered whether, in the present tense situation there, a United Nations force would be much more acceptable in dealing with the situation?
I put forward such a suggestion very early on when these troubles started. The Deputy is aware of the circumstances in which a United Nations force may enter the Six Counties. It was not acceptable at the time and we were not successful in having our suggestion carried out.
May I ask the Taoiseach if he would consider a limited discussion in this House on a resolution which would place on record the rejection by this House of the use of force? I think this would be helpful at the present time and might I stress that I think the discussion should be limited? On the other point, might I ask the Taoiseach if he has changed his mind on the question of an interview with the British Prime Minister? He will recall last April or May, when the situation was, I suppose, somewhat as serious as it is now, that he sought an interview with Mr. Wilson, the then Prime Minister. It did not materialise but I think he should consider the idea of tripartite talks.
So far as the suggestion of seeking an interview with the British Prime Minister is concerned, the Deputy is aware that during the course of my visit to the United Nations commemorative ceremonies in New York last October I made an arrangement to meet the British Prime Minister in the course of this year. A date has not been fixed yet for this meeting. In the meantime, we have suggested to the British Government that talks at high level—ministerial talks—take place as soon as possible.
In view of the present situation, would the Taoiseach not consider that now would be the time to press for a discussion with the British Prime Minister?
We are in touch with the British Government for a ministerial meeting at this stage. I am not in a position to indicate the outcome yet. I forgot to reply to the first part of the question put down by Deputy Corish: I would not be adverse to each of the party leaders making a short statement in the House, perhaps at 6 o'clock this evening before Private Members' Business starts. Provided the statements are short and to the point, I would not be adverse to that suggestion if it appeals to the two leaders.
Arising out of the Taoiseach's reply in which he referred to matters which have contributed seriously to the development of the present grave situation in Northern Ireland, would the Taoiseach agree that among these matters have been certain actions taken by his own former colleagues in Government, who are still his parliamentary colleagues?
This is a matter which is being investigated at the moment and I do not think I should comment at this stage.
Can the Taoiseach assure the House that there is no connection between people calling themselves "Provisionals" and elements within his own parliamentary party?
That is a separate question. It has nothing to do with the questions on the Order Paper.
Can the Taoiseach state there is no connection?
I know of none.