The Minister's predecessor, I understand, had open negotiations with Libya and I should like to know the present position. When is it likely that the Minister will establish diplomatic relations with that country?

In the overall I should like to say that I regard as a matter of considerable importance the reviewing of the question of diplomatic representation generally, particularly the opening of further negotiations. In the foreseeable future I hope to be able to make proposals to the Government on these areas. I do not wish to specify any particular case. With regard to Deputy Ryan's question I am sure he appreciates that the issue he has raised is one that involves the kind of consultation I referred to in reply to Deputy Quinn. We cannot set conditions for countries who are consulting with us as to whether or not we can acknowledge them on our terms as distinct from theirs. Perhaps the Deputy has in a sense disclosed one of the problems that activated the concern of the previous Government in this area.