asked the Minister for External Affairs if, in view of the closer relations existing at present between this country and Portugal, and the similarity of the two countries in many respects, and also the keen interest our people are taking in the social and economic conditions in that country, he will consider the advisability of appointing a delegation to visit that country for the purpose of examining at first hand the social and economic policy in operation there and reporting to Dáil Eireann whether and how far such a policy might be advantageously applied to this country.

I think the Deputy will agree that the circumstances of the present time are not favourable for the sending of such a delegation.

If the Taoiseach does intend to send such a delegation, will he undertake to include in it some of the self-sufficient boys so that they can get a bit of information in Portugal which they failed to get here?

Others would like to be included also.