asked the Minister for External Affairs if, and when, he proposes to make a statement to the Dáil respecting the recent Peace Protocol and the Security Pact that has now been proposed in its stead.

The question of the Protocol is still being considered by the Executive Council. When a decision has been arrived at, it will be communicated to the Oireachtas. So far as I am aware, no definite alternative proposals have yet been formulated.

Arising out of that answer, would the Minister state exactly what he means when he says, "when a decision has been arrived at"? Does it mean that the Executive Council will decide and intimate its decision to the Oireachtas, or will it lay its decision before the Oireachtas for confirmation, and will there be an opportunity for debate on the matter?

Any decision taken by the Executive Council in a matter of that kind has been invariably brought before the Oireachtas.