Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Regarding Senator Craughwell's comments on councillors' pay and conditions we have had enough talk, as have the councillors themselves. It is action that councillors want now and that is all I will say on the matter on this occasion.

I endorse everything Senator McDowell said with regard to Cabinet collective responsibility in terms of not only foreign affairs policy but all other policy matters. All policies must be collectively decided and followed by the Government and that is particularly important with regard to foreign policy. While I welcome any attempt to bring stability to North Korea, I do not think that can be done by a member of the Government without the collective permission of that Government. I understand that the Minister of State, Deputy John Halligan has former comrades in North Korea and while he may feel that those contacts may be helpful in bringing about that stability, he cannot do that as a member of the Government.