asked the Taoiseach if the Government have asked the British Government to change their policy towards the Six Counties by issuing a declaration of intent to withdraw from Irish affairs and renouncing British claims to sovereignty in any portion of Ireland.

It is not customary to provide details of the continuing contacts between the two Governments.

While it is appreciated that it is not customary to divulge details, this is a specific request and a very particular one. In these circumstances would the Taoiseach divulge if this particular request was made at any time, the number of occasions it was made, or whether it is proposed it should be made? Is it the belief of the Government that it is appropriate to make this request?

It is not customary to disclose details and I do not propose to enlarge on the reply.

Are we to take it from the Taoiseach's reply that no such request has been made, that the Government do not believe it is appropriate it should be made, and that Britain is entitled to the Six Counties until their sweet pleasure has been served?

Will the Taoiseach inform the House of the Government's attitude to Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution?

That is a separate question but there is no basis whatever for the assumption drawn by Deputy Blaney in his supplementary question.

Arising from the Taoiseach's reply——

We cannot debate this question all afternoon. I am calling Question No. 2.