asked the Taoiseach if he will circulate a copy of his speech at the reception to commemorate Grattan's Parliament on 16 April 1982 to all Members of the Dáil and Seanad.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grattan's Parliament Commemoration.
6.
The speech is available in the Oireachtas Library as is normal with statements and speeches issued through the Government Information Services. I am now in addition arranging to circulate it to all Members as suggested.
Would the Taoiseach consider when circulating his speech, which I found interesting but factually off target, bringing to the attention of Members, particularly those of his own party, policies of the Grattan Parliament in our relationship with Great Britain, which I consider to be of paramount importance, namely, political independence, economic union, monetary stability and free trade? Does the Taoiseach consider those four principles outlined by the Grattan administration to be as relevant today as they were then, and would the Taoiseach care to comment on them?
I have said a great deal about my view of Grattan as an individual, a statesman and politician and of the lessons we have inherited from Grattan's Parliament and the contribution Grattan's Parliament made to the evolution of the Irish nation. I do not think I have any further comment to make at this stage. I am preparing a very learned article on the subject and I will send the Deputy a copy of it.
I should like the Taoiseach to comment on whether agreement between all traditions of the Irish people and between this nation and Britain could be found in this area of discussion. Would the Taoiseach care to regard that as a serious proposition or suggestion for consideration?
I recall saying in that speech, which is the basis of the Deputy's question, that if British statesmen today wish to find a headline for relationships they should look at what happened in Ireland under Grattan's Parliament.
Would the Taoiseach comment——
The Deputy's question merely asked that copies of the speech be made available.
In circulating the speech would the Taoiseach consult with the nationalist people in Northern Ireland who in a way are still tied to that position which the Grattan policies developed? Would he ask them if they are satisfied that if the political independence of Northern Ireland could be established would they be satisfied with economic union, monetary stability and free trade? Would the Taoiseach agree that this was the basis of our negotiations when we became part of the EEC?
I am somewhat at a loss as to what exactly the Deputy has in mind.
That does not surprise me. I would ask the Taoiseach to consider the matter.
I will read the record and consider what the Deputy has said.
Would the Taoiseach consult nationalist opinion in the North?
I do so regularly.