asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make it manifestly clear in any protests against lack of respect for human rights in any country that the protest is made irrespective of the political complexion of the government concerned.

The Government's concern is to see human rights fully protected in all countries irrespective of the political complexion of the Government and any protest made by or on behalf of the Government will clearly respect that principle.

Having regard to the fact that representations in this area are often questioned and there is a tendency for some countries to direct their protest only against regimes of the right or in other cases the left, would the Minister always ensure that when protests are made we make it clear we are not concerned with the political complexion of the regime but we are concerned with any breach of human rights, no matter by whom that breach may be made?

I share fully the Deputy's point of view and I will put it to the Minister for Foreign Affairs who will, I am sure, follow that course.