asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Government have made any reply to the Note sent to them by the Russian Government; and, if so, if he will state the terms of such reply; and, if not, whether it is intended to reply to the Note.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Note from Russian Government.
The Note referred to by the Deputy was acknowledged on receipt but so far the Government did not consider that any useful purpose would be served by engaging in a public correspondence with the Soviet Government on the issues dealt with in their Note.
I do not think the Minister has quite answered the question, the last paragraph of which asks: "If not, whether it is intended to reply to the Note?" The Minister says that it is not intended to make any public reply. Is it intended to make any confidential reply?
I think the answer covers the question. So far, the Government do not see that any useful purpose would be served by replying to it.