While the President of Roumania adopts a very adventurous foreign policy he is not regarded in eastern Europe as the most liberal leader at home. Perhaps the Minister might take some time off from discussion of international issues with the President to talk about some freedom for the people of Roumania. I would ask the Minister to reconsider the wisdom of meeting statesmen at Shannon. It may be useful and it may save expense but it is not in accordance with the dignity of his office that he should accede to stop-over meetings with foreign statesmen at Shannon Airport.

That is a separate question.

This is a matter on which there will be many opinions. I think most of them would be against what the Deputy has suggested, particularly if the request comes from a head of government, as I have indicated in the answer.

The Minister will agree that there has been quite a number of meetings at Shannon Airport and I am only making the point in defence of his office. He has an important office in this country and if visiting statesmen going elsewhere wish to meet him they should arrange a schedule to meet the Minister in the capital city rather than for a few minutes at Shannon between catching planes.

I appreciate the Deputy's concern that the dignity of the office be upheld and I shall endeavour to ensure that it will be.

Will the Minister consider my suggestion if he meets the President of Roumania again?

I shall keep that in mind if there is any such request in the future.

9.