asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of reports that during the visit of President Reagan to this country, the US authorities intend to bring with them technical communications equipment which enables him to order the launch of US nuclear missiles; if the Irish Government have been consulted regarding these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Visit of President of United States.
1.
It is well known that US Presidents are accompanied on visits abroad by a variety of communications equipment. This allows him to carry out his functions as President which of course include those related to his position as Commander in Chief of the US armed forces. I understand that this has been US practice for many years. The US President is, of course, not the only Head of Government to be accompanied by such communications equipment.
I am sure what the Minister of State has said is correct, that he is not the only one, but he is the only one at this point who is coming to Ireland. Will the Minister of State indicate if the American administration have requested permission to bring this equipment into Ireland? Does he not consider that as the US President is visiting a neutral country it would be more appropriate if he did not bring this equipment with him?
With regard to the first part of the Deputy's question, I do not think a specific request was involved. The President of the United States was invited to this country and we are fully aware of the entourage and the equipment the President brings with him. I believe that the invitation extended to the President would include an acceptance that he would have an entourage and equipment with him. With regard to the question of our neutrality, I do not think this in any way affects our neutrality. It is a fact of life for many years and has been accepted by governments of western and neutral countries. Indeed, in the past where visiting heads of State came to Ireland with such equipment it did not affect our neutrality.
Will not the Minister of State say that what has been done for the visit of President Reagan is no different from what has been done for visits of other Heads of State to this country in recent times?
Absolutely. That about sums up the situation.
I do not think it can be pushed under the carpet that easily. The President of the United States has the power to launch a nuclear war. The Minister of State has said clearly to us today that the US President is bringing to Ireland whatever devices he needs if he considers the situation warrants it. Will not the Minister of State accept that as a neutral country it is unacceptable for any Heads of State to come to Ireland with devices that could possibly launch World War III.
I must accept that any visiting Head of State is entitled to bring equipment with him and be provided with communication facilities to keep in touch with his home capital. Otherwise we would be faced with the ludicrous situation that a visiting Head of State of any of the major countries could not come here. I emphasise the fact that this is not the only example. I recall when President Kennedy came here. We have had a precedent from the United States in the past and from other countries. President Mitterrand of France was here in the not too distant past. What is involved here is normal accepted practice.
The Minister of State is trying to cloud the issue by saying it is normal practice. President Mitterrand does not have the power to launch World War III but President Reagan has that power and he is coming on a visit to Ireland. Will the Minister of State tell the House if the question of what devices the President will have with him was even raised or if there were discussions about it? If there were not discussions, will he undertake to have some kind of discussions with the American administration to ensure we are not used as a launching pad for World War III?
In the event of a visit to this country by President Chernenko of the USSR, would not the same arrangements be made to accommodate him?
That about sums it up. It is quite clear the US is not the only nuclear power. We are not in a position to ask any Head of State who is invited here what communications and equipment he will bring with him or what use they will be put to. That is as far as I can go.
Will the Minister of State say——
I cannot allow a discussion on this all day.
Of course not. We had it all day yesterday.
That is the reason. This is repetition.
This is a particular aspect of the visit that has not been raised before and it is an important aspect. The Minister of State has said we are not in a position to tell Heads of State who visit Ireland about what they may or may not bring with them. Am I to assume from that reply that Ireland has no independent foreign policy whatever?
That seems to be another question.
I have to suggest to the Deputy that that is a ridiculous question. The issue has nothing to do with the independence of our foreign policy.
It has everything to do with it.
Any objective person must realise that if a visiting Head of State comes to this country on our invitation he or she must have the communications facilities to keep in touch with their home capital.