asked the Taoiseach whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the progress of the trade talks with Great Britain.

2.

asked the Taoiseach if he can now give any indications of the progress of the trade talks with the British representatives, as many farmers who are anxious to dispose of their cattle are awaiting the outcome of the talks so that they may be enabled to dispose of their stock to pay their second moiety of rates as well as to meet their merchants' bills.

I propose with your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions numbers 1 and 2 together.

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject but I propose to do so as soon as possible.

Could the Taoiseach indicate whether we are likely to get a statement on the subject within the next month, for example?

I think that is very likely.

Before the Budget?

I think so.

Does that indicate before the Easter Recess?

I think so. The Deputy will appreciate that the matter is not entirely under our control, but I think it very likely that we shall make a statement before Easter.

Can the Taoiseach tell us at this stage whether it will be a cheerful statement?