asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware that offence has been caused in Rome by the issue of a previous year's invitation cards for a Saint Patrick's Day reception with the dates crossed out; for what reason new invitation cards were not printed; and if he will state the basis on which invitation lists to such receptions are drawn up.

I have seen the recent press report of the matter referred to in the first part of the Deputy's question and I have ascertained from the Ambassador to Italy that invitation cards which he had ordered from a firm in Ireland in January, 1968, for the reception of that year had, owing to a postal strike in Italy, arrived too late and that he decided to use them this year.

With regard to the final part of the question, it is a matter for the Ambassador himself to decide who should be invited to his receptions in the light of local circumstances.

Question No. 2 postponed.