Siting of Nuclear Weapons in Northern Ireland
The Minister said there was no British proposal to site nuclear weapons in Northern Ireland and called press reports unfounded. He said the Government would strongly oppose any such move; Dr. FitzGerald asked whether Britain had been asked directly, but no answer is recorded.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the British Government to ensure that nuclear weapons are not sited in the Six Counties.
Comment on this
I am not aware of any decision by the British Government to sanction the location of nuclear weapons in Northern Ireland. The question of representations to the British Government, therefore, does not arise.
Comment on this
The question of sovereignty is rather obscure. May I take it that we would have a right as a sovereign Government to protest against the placement of such missiles if that was considered as, as far as I recollect, Deputy de Valera did in war time?
Comment on this
I did make my point of view known in that respect, but this is hypothetical and there is no such proposition or proposal to locate nuclear weapons in Northern Ireland. I have seen the press reports and, as far as my information is concerned, I have made a very thorough investigation of the matter. The reports are completely without foundation.
