With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.
The multilateral preliminary talks concerning the proposed Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe have figured on the agenda of the recent political consultations between the nine future members of the enlarged EEC. These preliminary talks will open in Helsinki on 22nd November and an Irish delegation will be participating in them. Questions which are appropriate to the field of NATO defence considerations have not been discussed in the consultations among the Nine. Our own policy in regard to NATO remains unchanged.