John Bruton
Ceist:2 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he has any plans to meet the new British Prime Minister, John Major, MP; and if he will outline the subjects he proposes to discuss with him.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Meeting with British Prime Minister.
Plans for any such meeting would be announced, in accordance with established practice, simultaneously in Dublin and London close to the time of the meeting. In my message of congratulations to the new British Prime Minister I indicated that I looked forward in particular to meeting him at the European Council in Rome later this month.
Would the Taoiseach not agree that it would be desirable that there be a special meeting between himself and the new British Prime Minister with a view to ensuring that the Prime Minister uses his powers to give renewed emphasis to the Brooke talks, particularly in view of the commitment in Article 4 of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, to agreement on a procedure for devolution of authority to an administration within Northern Ireland?
Yes, it would be desirable that I should have a meeting with the new British Premier as soon as possible. I am sure we will be able to meet in Rome. But I am sure the Deputy will also appreciate that the new Prime Minister coming into office, in the circumstances in which he did, will have many pressures on him at this stage. Therefore, I would not particularly press for an urgent meeting with him but I would hope that a major meeting can be arranged before too long.
I recollect that the Taoiseach had an aversion to anybody who had "major" in their name recently but realise he was referring to a body in this country at that time. Would the Taoiseach not agree that, in view of the persistent suggestions that the current Brooke talks are in difficulty, there is a need for him to take a special initiative with a view to having these talks proceed more rapidly, and that an initiative from him to seek a special meeting with the British Prime Minister would underline his Government's commitment and that of all the parties in this House to making a success of the current round of Brooke talks?
I would not seriously think that is necessary at this stage. The Secretary of State, Mr. Peter Brooke, has been left in charge by the British Prime Minister. That represents a little more confidence in the Secretary of State and in the initiative which he is conducting.
Can I bring in Deputy Garland? He has been offering for some time.
To use the expression Deputy Bruton used, a special initiative is now needed, will the Taoiseach ask Mr. Major when he sees him in Rome if anything can be done to have the Birmingham Six released before Christmas? Will he consider that as very high in his priorities when he sees Mr. Major?
Yes, but there is really no need to do that. Our position in regard to the Birmingham Six is constantly reiterated to the British Government.
I do not want to press the Taoiseach unduly on this, but can I ask him to agree that if there is any indication that the Brooke talks are about to break down or run into the sand, he will revise his view in the light of that and seek a special meeting with the British Prime Minister with a view to doing everything in his power to make a success of these talks?
We already are doing everything in our power to make a success of the talks and we will continue to do so. As I have said, we are being very flexible and progressive in our approach. I did not really say to the House that there is any ground for belief that there is imminent danger of breakdown.