asked the Minister for External Affairs what is the attitude of the Government with regard to Recommendation 344 on the contributions of member states to the budget of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 15th January, 1963; and what action the Government have taken, or contemplate taking, on it.

Recommendation 344 will be borne in mind by the Government when considering a voluntary contribution to the United Nations Children's Fund for the year 1964.

Our contributions to this Fund have increased each year since 1960-61. It was not, however, feasible to provide another increase this year in view of the Government's intention, subject to the approval of the Dáil, to double our contribution to the programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and to maintain our contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees at its present level.

22.

asked the Minister for External Affairs what is the attitude of the Government with regard to Recommendation 345 on a European Agency for the employment of volunteers in technical co-operation, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 15th January, 1963; and what action the Government have taken, or contemplate taking, on it.

While it is felt it would be unwise at the present time to set up a costly European Agency to deal with the employment of volunteers in technical co-operation, the Government have done and will continue to do all in their power to assist the developing countries. Already, on the basis of population, the proportion of our people who, as religious, nursing, teaching and other staff, are assisting these countries, is the highest in Europe. The Government have advised developing countries in Africa and Asia that they are ready to help by releasing teachers and civil servants, and by giving experience here in Governmental and semi-state bodies to nationals of these countries. It is considered that by the continuation and extension of such activity we can best and most economically assist developing countries.

23.

asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the Government's attention has been drawn to the need for a national and European anti-noise campaign; and whether the Government intend to act upon Recommendation 341, adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 15th January 1963.

The matters to which Recommendation 341 refers are at present under consideration in the relevant Government Departments.