asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether his statement that there would be no further high-level talks with the British Government until there was a change in Britain's policy on Northern Ireland indicates that the Government will not take part in discussions with Britain leading to new political initiatives.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Ireland Situation.
13.
While I had indicated in reply to a press question that no further high-level talks had been planned and could not be fruitful until there was a change in British policy, we are perfectly willing to discuss with Britain at any suitable level such exceptional and radical political measures as are necessary to bring about a progressive change in the present situation in the North.
Does that mean that there is a change in British policy?
The Deputy would want to explain that one.
The Minister said that there would not be discussions until there was a change in British policy.
We are perfectly willing to discuss with Britain such changes as are necessary but we cannot discuss it by ourselves alone. The two sides would have to agree to it.
Am I to understand from the Minister's reply that the British Government have refused to have further discussions with this Government here?
No. If the Deputies want to have further questions about the relationship between Britain and our Government they should put them to the Taoiseach. The question arises out of a statement I made in answer to a question on whether we had planned to have a meeting between the Taoiseach and the Prime Minister of Britain and the answer was " no " and that it would not be fruitful until there was a change of policy in Britain. I think that is self-explanatory but any further information on relations between the two countries should be asked of the Taoiseach.
May I ask the Minister once again, does that indicate that there will not be discussions or did the Minister say they will now have discussions if need be?
I can only talk of our willingness.
Your willingness— only if they change their policy?
Yes.
That is all I wanted to know.
I said that before. That was in the papers.