asked the Taoiseach which term the Government wished to see used, viz. The Six Counties or Northern Ireland, in references to that area of Ireland by the Government and by semi-State bodies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Designation of Northern Area.
4.
The Government have not given a general direction in the matter.
May I ask the Taoiseach has he or have the Government any views as to which would be the preferable term to use having regard to the views of the people in the North of Ireland?
I have no firm views myself but we recognise that the term "Northern Ireland" is used in our legislation in so far as it affects matters in the North. It is also part of the description of the United Kingdom and used in international language. We have been used to using the term "Six Counties" which, apparently, some people in that part of the country regard as offensive but, nevertheless, we refer more frequently to this part of the country as "The Twenty-six Counties". I have no hard and fast views about it. I frequently use all terms myself.
In view of the fact that, as the Taoiseach has mentioned, the term "Six Counties" is regarded as offensive by many people—I think the majority of both Unionists and Nationalists regard it as offensive— would he as a gesture of reconciliation which is so badly needed in these present times direct Civil Service bodies, and particularly Telefís Éireann, to refrain from using that pejorative term?
People do not like my giving directions to Telefís Éireann. I do not like doing it myself.
Could I ask the Taoiseach whether it is a fact that about ten years ago when the former Taoiseach, Mr. Lemass, switched from "Six Counties" to "Northern Ireland" the Government Information Bureau did not then request RTE to use the term "Northern Ireland"?
No, there was never a request.
The Taoiseach is sure of that?
I am almost as sure as that we are both on our feet now.
Perhaps the term "request" has some special significance, then, that I do not understand.