asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he has yet received any reply to his representations to the British Government concerning the spiking of the Omeath-Newry road, and, if so, if he will state the nature of the reply.

So far I have not received a favourable reply regarding the spiking of the Omeath-Newry road.

I presume the Minister has drawn the attention of the Northern authorities to the adverse effects the spiking of this road will have on the livelihood of many people in this area. I should like to ask the Minister, as he is aware that foreign coach tours are now being allowed into this country, will he persist in his efforts to have these obstructions removed as soon as possible?

I am very keenly aware of the inconvenience to the people on both sides of the Border caused by the spiking of this road and other roads that have been spiked and everything that I can do to have them reopened will be done.

Will the Minister not write another personal letter to the Northern Premier?

Is it a fact that the Government were pre-informed of the Northern Government's intention to spike this road?

No.