asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Government will take or support steps in the United Nations Organisation to dissuade the Soviet Union from being involved in the Israeli-Arab conflict; if he has expressed any views to that organisation concerning the presence of Soviet-operated missiles and Russians flying operation missions in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Israeli-Arab Conflict.
15.
As I stated in the Dáil on the 19th March and the 19th April last, the Government are doing everything they can through the United Nations to promote peace in the Middle East.
Donegal is not in the Middle East.
I have dealt with that.
Sotto voce? Did anybody hear the reply to Question No. 14?
I think the Minister has skipped into the Middle East.
Did anybody on either side of the House hear the reply given to Question No. 14?
The reply was given. It was very difficult to hear the reply.
There was no evidence visual or aural that the reply was made.
(Cavan): If, for one reason or another, as appears to be the case nobody heard the reply given to Question No. 14, will the Minister please repeat it?
I will do many encores. The answer to Question No. 14 is as follows: "I have made inquiries in this matter. I do not propose to make representations to the British Government."
Was there any consultation with Deputy Blaney before that reply was made?
That is getting a bit sick.
I am calling Question No. 16.
What about Question No. 15?
I had answered Question No. 15 before the Deputy asked for Question No. 14 to be repeated.
The Deputy cannot run the House; that is the Ceann Comhairle's job.
The Deputy used to be good at figures.
On a point of order, the Minister started to answer Question No. 15 and immediately he did so I asked him to answer Question No. 14 first. After great pressure, the Minister agreed to answer Question No. 14. May we now have the answer to Question No. 15?
The Deputy did this to me last week.
Question No. 15 has been answered.
I rose immediately the Minister started to answer Question No. 15 and asked him to deal with Question No. 14. There was a good deal of cross talk and we eventually heard the answer to Question No. 14. May we now have the answer to Question No. 15 because I should like to hear it?
I am calling Question No. 16.
I have answered the questions called by the Chair. I am a very obedient and orderly Deputy.
Deputy FitzGerald commented on the reply.
At the end of my answer to Question No. 15 the Deputy made a brilliant comment which did not evoke any laughter. If he would like to try again I am quite willing.
I am not aware that the question has been answered.