asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the changing political situation in the North of Ireland, he will now reconsider his attitude to a previous recommendation to have an all-party committee of the Dáil set up to keep under continuous review the situation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Ireland Situation.
2.
As I have said on previous occasions in Dáil Éireann, I would be more than willing to meet the leaders of the Opposition Parties from time to time on an ad hoc basis in order to keep them fully informed and to receive their views on the situation in the North. However, I think that any Government must necessarily take the view that decisions on policy must be taken by the Government of the day.
In view of certain statements recently made by Ministers of the Northern Government in regard to the recreation of a militia force, has the Taoiseach expressed concern on behalf of the Government here at this departure from the undertakings given a couple of years ago?
The Government loses no opportunity to indicate our position in matters that arise or in statements that are made in the North of Ireland that would appear to prejudice the situation there or exacerbate the position as it stands.
May I ask the Taoiseach if he does not approve of the idea of all-party committees as adumbrated in Northern Ireland, that it would be a useful idea up there? If it is a useful idea there, why is it not a useful idea here?
That is a different matter entirely. That is in reference to day-to-day administration, as I understand it. There were four separate categories the Northern Prime Minister spelled out. There is nothing whatever to prevent the Leaders of the Opposition coming to me, either separately or together, at any time they wish. I will discuss the situation, I will give them my views and receive their views. I have put forward this suggestion several times in the House. If that is not convenient to them they might consider nominating a Deputy and I shall be prepared to designate a member on our side to discuss the matter.
Without disrespect, the Taoiseach's suggestion about consultation has been pretty vague. I suggest that we have these consultations, as the Taoiseach has suggested, between the Leaders of the three parties. The first subject for discussion might be the desirability or otherwise of having an all-party committee. Let us talk about that first.
I will talk about having consultation. If the suggestion I made is not acceptable, by all means come and talk to me about an alternative suggestion. I am opposed to an all-party committee that would in any way be responsible for policy. That is a matter for the Government. In any event, it would be difficult to co-ordinate policy as expressed now by the Labour Party through their spokesman that in the present situation in the North of Ireland we should abandon any idea of talk about unity.
We are not denying that the Government have overall responsibility but surely it would not be unreasonable that the three party Leaders would consider the idea of an all-party committee? I am not asking the Taoiseach to commit himself to it now.
I will not commit myself to the all-party committee suggestion but certainly I will commit myself to meeting the two Leaders of the parties opposite to discuss this or any other subject.
Would the Taoiseach take the initiative in getting in touch with us for the purpose of that discussion?
I will do that.
Would the Taoiseach not now agree that it is urgent that the three major parties on this side of the Border co-operate fully in an effort to find a solution for the northern community so that they may live in harmony and peace as a first step towards reunification?
Everything that can be done in that direction is being done. It does not need a meeting of the three Leaders to bring that situation about.
Depending on the situation during the summer months, can the Taoiseach say if it would be possible, in consultation with the Leaders of the two other parties, to arrange for a reconvening of the Dáil should this prove necessary.
That is a matter for me, Sir.
3.
asked the Taoiseach if he has received a request from the Nationalist Party in Northern Ireland for a meeting to discuss the political situation following their withdrawal from Stormont; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have received such a request. I am awaiting an indication as to the subjects they would wish to discuss.
Can the Taoiseach state if he received this request prior to last Sunday week before he made the speech?
The request was conveyed to the Department of Foreign Affairs orally on the afternoon of the day before yesterday.