asked the Minister for External Affairs what matters were discussed at his meetings with Monsieur Maurice Couve de Murville, French Foreign Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
40.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Discussions with French Foreign Minister.
39.
asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will make a statement with regard to his talks with the French Foreign Minister, M. Couve de Murville, during his visit to this country, stating what subjects were discussed and what conclusions, if any, were reached.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together.
Apart from the discussions to which the Taoiseach has referred in reply to earlier questions, I had separate discussions with Monsieur Couve de Murville in the course of which we discussed international political questions of current interest, such as disarmament, including the non-dissemination of nuclear weapons, United Nations affairs generally, and, in particular, the United Nations peace-keeping operations in the Congo and in Cyprus.
In the course of our review of Franco-Irish relations, we discussed the cultural relations between the two countries, and, as indicated in the joint communique, we agreed to the prepartion of a cultural agreement which would both strengthen the existing bonds and increase the number of cultural exchanges between the two countries.
That is very important.
Can the Taoiseach say whether, in the course of his discussions with Monsieur Couve de Murville relative to peace-keeping operations in the Congo and in Cyprus, the termination of the peace-keeping operation in Cyprus was envisaged and, if so, if any date was considered?
It was not envisaged. The Security Council have not yet considered it. It is likely that they will decide to continue their efforts for a further period.