With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 23 together.
It would not be in accordance with usual practice to reveal details of discussions such as those I have had recently with the British Prime Minister in Munich and Paris. The value of such meetings depends largely on their confidential nature.
I conveyed to Mr. Heath the Government's assessment of the situation in Northern Ireland and emphasised our anxiety in that regard. I also impressed upon him the necessity for an urgent political initiative leading to quadripartite talks on the lines I have repeatedly advocated.
These meetings between the two heads of Government are arranged by mutual consent; no date has been fixed for a further meeting. The presence of an all-party deputation at such meetings would not be appropriate.