asked the Minister for External Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a statement that Irish labourers in England were kidnapped and compelled to do forced labour for a gipsy mob; and, if so, what action he proposes taking in the matter.

I have seen the newspaper article referred to by the Deputy. Inquiries made of the British police authorities by the Embassy at London indicate that the two Irish labourers alleged in the article to have been kidnapped were not, in fact, seized or detained against their will.

All the indications are that this was a leg-pull but I do not suppose that those who perpetrated it expected to catch the Deputy.

Has the Taoiseach seen the explanation offered last Sunday through the medium of The People where this gentleman confirmed that he kidnapped these labourers?

The Deputy may take my word that this never happened.

The Deputy should stop reading English newspapers.