asked the Taoiseach whether he has seen the reported statement by Lord Brookeborough that the Six County Government would agree to a United States base for nuclear-armed Polaris submarines in the Six Counties; and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent such violation of the national territory.

2.

asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to a statement made by Lord Brookeborough that the Six Counties would agree to a Polaris base in the area if it meant greater employment; and if he will state the Government's attitude to the implications of the statement.

3.

asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement regarding the announcement of Lord Brookeborough that he would agree to a Polaris base in the Six Counties if it provided more employment there.

With your permission, Sir, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 2 and 3 together.

I am aware of the statement by Lord Brookeborough regarding a Polaris submarine base in the Six Counties. I do not think it necessary at this stage to add anything to what I said on the 21st instant in answering press enquiries on the subject, namely, that if any proposal of this kind were seriously in contemplation, the Government, because of the implications of such a proposal, would expect, as a matter of course, to be fully consulted in advance by any other Government concerned.

Does the Taoiseach think the statement he recently made was adequate—the statement to the effect that the Government expect to be consulted? Will he not agree that in order to place this country's view beyond any doubt whatsoever, he should be very emphatic in regard to the Government's reaction to this proposal?

Personally, I have not seen anything in any Press reports which suggests to me that there is any serious idea of establishing a Polaris submarine depot in Ireland.

Will the Taoiseach take steps to bring to the attention of the President-elect of the United States, who has an Irish background, the fact that Belfast is part of our national territory and that we should, therefore, be consulted before that city or area is selected as a site for these Polaris missiles?

I think that is the clear implication of what I said.

Is the Taoiseach prepared to say that that is the view of the Government? What he has said to date is that he would expect the Government to be consulted. What Deputies want is a clear indication of the Government's view and the Government's reaction to such a proposal.

May I ask the Taoiseach if he has received any assurance from the British Government, which is the effective Government, that he will be consulted?

I again express the view that the Press reports do not suggest that there is any serious proposal to establish such a depot in this country.

The Taoiseach is aware that such is not the case at all. That is just a little promise from the Taoiseach to Lord Brookeborough and the unemployed in Northern Ireland.

Are the suggestions made in the Press the only source of information available?

Yes.

Is there no other source available to the Taoiseach?

The suggestion has not appeared anywhere except in the newspapers.