asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in relation to the application by Greece to join the EEC, the Council of Ministers or the EEC Commission proposes to take any intiatives to help to resolve differences between that country and Turkey in relation to (a) Cyprus and (b) oil exploration and development in the Aegean Sea.

Initiatives of the sort mentioned by the Deputy are not contemplated.

Has the Minister a view on this matter, apart from the Council of Ministers, and if so what is it? Would it not be wise to endeavour to bring these friendly European countries together to resolve these difficulties before Greece might be admitted as a member of the European Community?

There is a lot in what the Deputy says. Because Greece might become a member of the European Community, this is obviously an area of conflict which should be resolved hopefully before then. I will take the point made by the Deputy.

I am calling the next question. We cannot go on asking supplementaries.

What is the Government's position in relation to the establishment of a border between the Turkish and the Greek populations in Cyprus?

I do not wish to go into detail, but I totally agree with the principle of Deputy Ryan.

The Minister should not insult the House after such a short time in office. I have asked a serious question in relation to the border established by the Turkish Government on Cyprus. What does our Government intend to do in this matter?

I have no intention of entering into a sensitive area like this here and now and the Deputy should appreciate that.

I am calling the next question. Question No. 17.

This information was asked for in the Dáil question and we are entitled to a reply.

This question does not permit a debate on Cyprus.