asked the Taoiseach whether he sought an assurance at his recent meeting with the British Prime Minister that Cruise missiles would not be based, on a permanent or temporary basis, in Northern Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cruise Missiles.
1.
Dún Laoghaire): As stated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the House on 27 January last in reply to questions, the Minister has received assurances from the British authorities that there are no plans for siting Cruise missiles or any other missiles in Northern Ireland. Accordingly this matter did not arise in the Taoiseach's discussions with the Prime Minister.
In view of the seriousness of this matter, and the fact that the question was put down for reply by the Taoiseach, it is unfortunate that the Taoiseach did not come here to deliver the reply. Is the Minister of State aware that the Cruise missile it is proposed to site at Greenham Common may be moved to other sites at times of tension? In view of the fact that Northern Ireland is under the jurisdiction of the British Government does the Minister feel there is a risk at a time of tension of these missiles being moved to Northern Ireland? Would it not be appropriate for the Taoiseach to seek a definite assurance that whatever plans may exist now that no plans exist for future either temporary or permanent siting of these missiles on this island?
(Dún Laoghaire): The Minister for Foreign Affairs has received assurances from the British authorities that there are no plans for siting Cruise missiles, or any other missiles, in Northern Ireland.
I should like to voice a vigorous protest at the way this matter is being treated. I made an attempt last week to assist the Taoiseach during his negotiations with Mrs. Thatcher to highlight this matter. However, my attempt was disallowed.
The Deputy should ask a question.
I am putting a question and this is the fourth time I have tried to raise this matter. Last week I was told that I could raise this matter only in the form of a motion but today I discover that a question about it appears on the Order Paper and is phrased in the past tense. It is wrong that the opportunity was not availed of to highlight this serious matter in the discussions on Monday.
Has the Deputy a question to put? If he has not he should sit down.
In view of the fact that the situation has changed dramatically since the question on this matter was answered in January, and in view of the mobility of these missiles, it is essential that the Taoiseach gets the assurance sought straight away. I should like to ask the Ceann Comhairle if he is prepared to permit this matter to be raised at a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges because a Deputy does not have any other means of raising such a matter other than asking for time on the Adjournment. The issue was sidestepped last week and we lost an opportunity of raising this extremely important matter at the summit meeting on Monday.
I regret that the Taoiseach is not here to deal with this important matter but I presume there is some good reason of State and the public interest for him not being here. In his absence I should like to ask the Minister of State if he is fully cognisant of the fact that it is the policy of this party, the principal Opposition party, that the whole island of Ireland should be, and continue to be, a nuclear free zone? I should like to ask the Minister of State to confirm that that is also the policy of the Government. I should like to ask the Minister if there is any significance in the use by him of the word "missiles". What we are all concerned with is nuclear weapons or weaponry of any type. Will the Minister of State confirm that the assurances to which he referred that the Minister for Foreign Affairs received extend to all types of nuclear weaponry and not just missiles?
(Dún Laoghaire): The question related specifically to missiles and my reply dealt with them. If Members have any other questions they should put them to the Minister for Foreign Affairs for a detailed reply. The Leader of the Opposition is correct when he said that the Taoiseach had a prior engagement. It was not a question of him not wanting to answer the question. In view of the fact that assurances have been given by the British authorities that there are no plans for the siting of Cruise missiles, or any other missiles in Northern Ireland, the matter was not raised because it was not felt necessary to do so. However, in view of the concern expressed by Members I am sure the Taoiseach will give an undertaking to keep the views expressed in mind.
Was the question of Cruise or Pershing missiles raised at all with the British Prime Minister in relation to Northern Ireland or any other part of Europe?
(Dún Laoghaire): We had received an assurance from the British and, therefore, there was no necessity to raise the issue. In view of the concern expressed by the House I am sure the Taoiseach will keep the views of Members in mind.
It was not raised.
Will the Taoiseach seek a renewed assurance in the light of the drastically changed circumstances relating to the siting of such missiles in England? Will the Minister tell the House when Deputy De Rossa's question was tabled?
(Dún Laoghaire): I do not have any information as to when the question was tabled. My function is to answer questions on behalf of the Taoiseach and I do not mean any disrespect to Deputy Brady because I understand his concern.
For the benefit of Deputy Brady who is taking advantage of some message conveyed to him by a member of my staff I wish to state that the matter which the Deputy sought to raise is easily distinguishable from the question on the Order Paper. If the Deputy wants to take this matter up at length with me he is welcome to come to my office where I will explain the position to him.
Will the Chair give me permission to raise this matter on the Adjournment?
I will consider the Deputy's application.
Deputy De Rossa expanded the scope of the question when he referred to nuclear weapons in Europe and I should like to ask the Minister of State if the Government will make known our views to other nations who have nuclear weapons sited in Europe? Our concern should be made known not just to the Americans and the British but to the Russians also.
We cannot have a debate on nuclear weapons now.