asked the Minister for External Affairs if he can state the length of time Irish troops will be required for service in Cyprus.

The present mandate of the United Nations Force in Cyprus expires on 26th March, 1965. Pending a decision by the Security Council to extend the mandate and the receipt of a formal request from the Secretary General for the continued participation of Irish troops in the Force, it is not possible to say what further period of service will be required thereafter.

There was a statement, on which I should like the Minister to comment, in The Economist in which their Cyprus correspondent indicated that the extension might be for a further period of three months. Is the Minister able to say whether the mandate is likely to be continued and, if so, for what length of time?

On the last occasion the Security Council extended the mandate for a further three months. I understand that the Council is meeting on 15th of this month and the matter for consideration will be whether the mandate will be extended or not.