asked the Taoiseach what matters were discussed on the occasion of his recent meetings with the British Prime Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
2.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Chequers Talks.
. 1.
asked the Taoiseach if, at the recent Chequers talks, he agreed to intensify the patrolling of this side of the Border by units of the Irish Army; and if, for this purpose, he agreed to call back the Armoured Car unit from service with the United Nations force in Cyprus, to call on members of the FCA to volunteer for permanent service and to expand recruitment and improve the equipment of the Defence Forces.
3.
asked the Taoiseach if, at the recent Chequers talks, his attention was drawn to the fact that the Irish Defence Forces were considerably below the officially accepted peace time establishment strength; and, if so, if he was asked by the British Prime Minister to bring them up to full strength.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 2 and 3 together.
I would refer the Deputies to my statement in Dáil Éireann on the 20th October on this subject.
May I inquire from the Taoiseach if he will state if the question of introducing proportional representation in the North was referred to at the Chequers meeting? This was referred to in what was described as a Green Paper.
It was mentioned.
It was mentioned?
I specifically asked for very specific information from the Taoiseach and I do not think my question was necessarily answered in his reply. I asked if, at the recent Chequers talks, he agreed to intensify the patrolling of this side of the Border by units of the Irish Army, et cetera.
There was no question of agreement to intensify patrolling. Our patrols on the Border have always been there. They were increased after the incidents of August, 1969, and they have been maintained at strenght ever since.