John Bruton
Ceist:4 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he has any proposals to meet the leaders of the constitutional Unionist parties in Northern Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meeting with Unionists.
I have made it clear on many occasions — most recently on 5 December in this House — that I would be willing to meet Unionists at any time to discuss their concerns. Such a meeting should take place without preconditions and without prejudice to the Unionist position on the Agreement. My invitation still stands.
May I ask the Taoiseach if a formula has yet been found to allow the Brooke talks to move on to a stage where there will actually be face to face discussions between the Unionist and Nationalist parties in Northern Ireland in respect of the one outstanding issue which I understand is the involvement of the Irish Government in discussions with the British Government in regard to the matters being covered in the internal talks?
There has been nothing new since I last reported to the House on that matter.
May I ask the Taoiseach if it is the case that Secretary of State Brooke has suggested a formula whereby it would be agreed by all parties that he would decide the point at which such discussions would occur and that that formula might be acceptable to all? Is that report untrue?
It is not very accurate. I would not say that that suggestion was put forward by Secretary of State Brooke but I would agree that such a proposal is in the air, as it were.
In relation to the Taoiseach's willingness to meet with Unionist leaders — he said so openly in the House on 5 December and, indeed, on many occasions — will the Taoiseach give us an indication of any concrete steps he has taken to either offer an invitation in writing or otherwise to Unionist leaders seeking such a meeting?
The Deputy asked me that question before and I indicated I have sought to avail of channels. The Deputy will understand that most of this was done prior to the Brooke initiative which has, if you like, taken over the situation. Any talks now with Unionists are likely to be in the context of the tripartite talks which the Brooke initiative envisages.
Deputy Bruton for a final question.
The Taoiseach referred to a proposal which he said was in the air——
I meant circulated.
What is the Taoiseach's attitude to that proposal?
I do not wish to give value judgment of that kind at this stage because, as the Deputy knows, there are a number of parties involved and I would prefer our discussions in the context of that, or any other proposal, should be kept within the confines of the discussions.