asked the Taoiseach the proposals, if any, he has for the building of a nuclear shelter in Dublin to provide protection for him and members of the Government in the event of a nuclear attack or accident affecting this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nuclear Shelter.
4.
I have no such proposals at present and there has been no change in the position in this regard in recent years.
I should add that the Departments and agencies concerned keep under continuing review the provisions for dealing with a nuclear attack or accident.
Could the Taoiseach then confirm that there is no truth in the rumour that the Taoiseach is building a shelter for protection not against nuclear fall-out but against political fall-out resulting from his telling the nation and his supporters at the last election that, like Frank Sinatra, he was going to do it his way and patently there was not a better way——
Let us have serious questions.
The Deputy is slightly incoherent. Perhaps he will address a specific question to me arising out of my reply?
I am asking what the political fall-out will be.
The Deputy is asking about a nuclear bunker and I am telling him that there are no such proposals at present.
The Taoiseach might need one for the State emergency.
All the policies of the Government indicate they have not discovered what is the better way.
The Deputy should not attach too much importance to newspaper reports on any issue.
I call Question No. 5.
Even if the newspaper reports are prompted by briefings from the Secretary of the Government?
(Interruptions.)
I understand that the Deputy's position on some recent issues is that he wishes to be instructed generally by the British Ambassador. I suggest to him that he might also take into account the views of his constituents in Cork.
The Taoiseach should call in the British Ambassador if he has any complaints.
Please, I have called Question No. 5. Let us proceed.