asked the Minister for Finance if the Government or the Taoiseach has received any representations on the conservation of Wood Quay, Dublin, from the governments of other states; and, if so, which countries are involved.

No representations have been received by the Government or the Taoiseach from the governments of other states about the conservation of Wood Quay, Dublin.

Has the Minister of State received representations from national organisations in other States?

Representations to the Government are usually made through the Department of Foreign Affairs and I understand that no such representations were made through the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Has the Minister of State or the Minister for Finance received representations from nationals of other States with specific regard to this matter?

Not to my knowledge.

Is the Minister of State aware that 21 countries whose delegates are represented on the cultural and educational committee of the Council of Europe made direct representations in relation to this matter?

The Committee referred to do not necessarily reflect the views of the governments which they represent.

Surely these delegates are specifically appointed by the governments of the countries concerned?

That does not mean that they necessarily represent the views of the governments concerned.

Has the Minister of State received representations from these representatives through the Department of Finance?

No.

Does the Minister of State entertain any view as to the recommendations of these other bodies?

The Deputy knows as well as I do that there are other questions down. I am answering a question on the Order Paper.

Even a Minister of State from Cork should occasionally take notice of what the council says.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister of State aware that there is and has been international concern about the proposal to destroy this national monument?

The question specifically refers to representations made to the Government or the Taoiseach and I said that no representations had been made.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I appreciate the Minister of State's answer, but I am asking him if he is aware, as the rest of the country is aware, that international concern has been expressed about the proposal to destroy the Wood Quay monument?

I read papers.

Question No. 18.

Is the Minister of State aware that a letter was sent by Sir Duncan Sandys on behalf of the 21 countries represented on the Council of Europe committee? I have seen the letter, the acknowledgement and subsequent correspondence in the matter. Surely the Minister of State is aware that these representations were received and acknowledged by the Government?

Would the Deputy look at the question?

The Minister of State does not need protection. Does the Minister of State not agree that he should tell us his views of the press reports which he has read?

There are other questions on the Order Paper.