asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any appraisal of Government policies is planned in view of Ireland assuming the Presidency of the EEC in July.

The Government, as a matter of course, keep their policies constantly under review. Naturally and to a significant extent in doing so they take into account Ireland's membership of the European Communities, so ensuring both consistency in our approach and an awareness of our national interests in this context.

The preparations necessary for our holding the Presidency of the Communities during the second half of 1979 have been in train for some months now. This has provided a further opportunity for examination of the Government's present and proposed policies.

In view of the fact that the Minister is not likely to answer questions on this subject between now and October, I would express to him our good wishes for his occupancy of the Chair.

I thank the Deputy.