Foreign Affairs Department and Central America
Rabbitte questions whether remarks by a former foreign-service official reflect the Department of Foreign Affairs’ thinking on US policy in Central America, and cites the Cambodia debate. The Taoiseach defends freedom of expression and the Department’s officials, saying Government policy is decided by ministers with their advice; the exchange includes interruptions and partisan remarks.
Does the Taoiseach accept that there is widespread public concern in this country regarding the attitude portrayed by the ignorant, extraordinary and indeed insulting remarks by a public individual who was formerly head of the foreign service in this country and that it is——
Comment on this
I would ask the Deputy not to refer to a person outside this House who is identifiable.
Comment on this
Can I put it this way? There is a belief that this portrays the real thinking in Iveagh House towards American foreign policy on Central America. Is the Taoiseach happy about that?
Comment on this
It is an area which I would be very reluctant to enter into. I believe in the right of freedom of expression. I am not so sure that the Deputy's party is fully committed to that principle in their political philosophy but——
Comment on this
——it is completely unfair for the Deputy to make the sort of accusation he has made against the Department of Foreign Affairs and the excellent officials there who help and advise the Government on these issues. I want to assure the Deputy that the policy in these sensitive, difficult and complex areas is decided by the Government and, in coming to our decisions, we have access to a very considerable reservoir of experience and maturity in the Department of Foreign Affairs.