asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he will state the exact diplomatic and trade position that exists between the Union of Socialist Federated Soviet Republics and Saorstát Eireann.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - RELATIONS WITH SOVIET REPUBLICS.
The Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is one of several with which no definite diplomatic and trade relations have been established. No necessity has arisen to define any special trade relations.
Will the Minister for External Affairs state whether the Government of Saorstát Eireann regards the Government of the Soviet Union as a friendly Government?
That is a different question.
It is part of governmental policy.
I am not being asked about governmental policy at present.
May I ask the Minister if he has made any effort to regain the Russian markets for herrings from this country?
As External Affairs Minister, I have nothing to do with herrings.
Except red ones.