Would the Minister not agree that Roy Mason's scandalous and irresponsible allegation undermining the Taoiseach's position is not an isolated incident, because it appears that we had another allegation recently by Dr. Summerskill on the issue of extradition which has been repudiated by the Government?

The Deputy is enlarging the question. I am calling the next question.

This misrepresentation of Irish politicians is becoming a very bad habit which should be curtailed and a protest made about it by the Government.

The Deputy will appreciate that what is said elsewhere is not a matter over which we have immediate control. We have control over our own consistency and effectiveness. I am quite satisfied in regard to our relations with the British Government, our standing in the European Community and the understanding of our position, that there is a full appreciation of our consistency and effectiveness. That is the most important thing.

Question No. 13.

Can I take it——

We have had enough discussion on this question. We are tending to enlarge the question.

This is Question Time as well as answer time.

I have decided that we have had enough questions. I am calling Question No. 13.

Would the Minister not agree that in this sort of situation the position in relation to extradition is a very serious one? Is he now saying that this question was not discussed and that the charge by the British Member of Parliament is untrue, that there is no question of extradition arrangements being made between our Government and the other countries of Europe?

I am saying no such thing. We will reserve the right, as we have always done, to take up discussions with the British Government at any other level. We will continue to do this. I am quite satisfied that our position is now fully understood and that people will realise that it is not in anyone's interest to misrepresent our position.