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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Ireland Discussions.

Taoiseach’s discussions with Thatcher

Summary

The Minister said the Luxembourg meeting with the British Prime Minister arranged a London meeting in a few weeks for wide-ranging talks on Anglo-Irish and community relations, but gave no detailed agenda.

Jim O'Keeffe Mr. O'Keeffe Fine Gael

asked the Taoiseach if he had any discussions regarding Northern Ireland with the British Prime Minister over the weekend and, if so, if he will make a statement thereon.

Comment on this
Brian Lenihan Snr. Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Lenihan) (for the Taoiseach) Fianna Fáil

I had a brief private meeting with the British Prime Minister in Luxembourg on the occasion of the European Council meeting last weekend.

VOLUME 320

It is not customary to disclose the matters discussed at meetings of this kind.

Comment on this
Jim O'Keeffe Mr. O'Keeffe Fine Gael

Can the Minister give any indication at all as to the context of the discussion or any arrangements made arising therefrom?

Comment on this

The discussions will take place in London in a matter of a few weeks.

Comment on this
Jim O'Keeffe Mr. O'Keeffe Fine Gael

I understand that a date has been fixed for London but can the Minister give any indication at all as to the nature of the discussions in Luxembourg?

Comment on this

Luxembourg was entirely concerned with making the arrangements for the meeting I am talking about. So the arrangements have been made for the meeting in London in a matter of a few weeks.

Comment on this
Jim O'Keeffe Mr. O'Keeffe Fine Gael

Would it be correct to state that the only matter discussed in Luxembourg with Mrs. Thatcher was merely the arranging of a date for a meeting in London?

Comment on this

Yes, with a view to having comprehensive and wide-ranging discussions in London on all matters pertaining to Anglo-Irish relations.

Comment on this
Seán Browne An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

We will have a final supplementary question from Deputy Quinn.

Comment on this

Is the Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Taoiseach, in a position to indicate to the House what might be on the agenda for such a meeting? Perhaps he could be a little more precise than merely saying that it is about Anglo-Irish relations.

Comment on this

It should be obvious to the House that what will be on the agenda includes Anglo-Irish relations, community relations and so on. It does not require any great elaboration.

Comment on this

What about the PLO?

Comment on this
Seán Browne An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Deputy L'Estrange should not start so early in the day.

Comment on this