Proinsias De Rossa
Ceist:2 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Taoiseach if a date has been set for the holding of the special meeting of EC Heads of Government in Dublin in April 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meeting of EC Heads of Government.
The Summit meeting of EC Heads of State or Government in Dublin will be held on 28 April.
The question has, to some extent, been overtaken by events. In the light of the date fixed for that meeting, will the Taoiseach arrange for a debate on the question of developments in Europe, and eastern Europe in particular, before that Summit takes place so that Deputies and parties in this House would have an opportunity to express their view on these issues?
I have no particular view one way or another as to when the debate might, with best advantage, be held. I agree in principle to the holding of a debate. As the Deputy knows, the elections in East Germany will be held on 18 March and they will be followed fairly rapidly by elections in other eastern European countries. It is a matter for decision. Perhaps party leaders or Whips could talk about whether it would be better to wait until we have a clearer picture as a result of these elections before having a debate here.
I understand that elections both in eastern and central Europe will take place right up to some time in June so that if we were to wait until all of the elections have been completed we would probably be into the summer recess before that happened. Let me suggest to the Taoiseach, as I have suggested to him before, that what is at issue here are matters of principle rather than the question of the actual structures that will evolve primarily at the insistence of the people concerned. The attitude we take is important. In the light of that, would the Taoiseach consider publishing a position paper of the Government on the question of our evolving attitudes to eastern Europe?
The question relates solely to the holding of a special meeting.
Does the Taoiseach recall my asking him a similar question about a fortnight ago? At that stage he said it was contemplated making statements after the meeting. I made the point at the time that I thought a debate would be a better method of getting the views of the House on record. Is the Taoiseach now coming down in favour of a debate? As I pointed out at the time, only party leaders can make statements.
I really have an open mind. I would like to facilitate the House because these are historic and far-reaching changes and it would be helpful if the House had the fullest opportunity of discussing them. Perhaps we could leave it to the Whips to work out what is the general view.