asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs by whom this country will be represented at the European Human Rights Commission with regard to the hearings on Northern Ireland and Ireland's submission to that body.

Under the rules of procedure of the European Commission of Human Rights, Governments are represented before the commission by agents who may have the assistance of counsel or advocates. In the case referred to, the legal adviser of my Department has been appointed agent. The team of counsel will be selected in due course.

When does the Minister think the hearings will be conducted?

It is not certain when the oral arguments will take place. At the earliest it would be in mid-July but it could be as late as October.