Would the Government be prepared to recognise the new regime in Uganda?

That matter is under consideration at present. Ireland has indicated to the new Ugandan authority, through the Ugandan Embassy in Paris, its desire to have close and friendly relations with the new authority there. What the Deputy suggests will follow logically as a result of the overtures made by the Irish Government. I thank the Deputy for his constructive question.

What Government is recognised by this country as the legitimate Government in Uganda?

I indicated very clearly in my reply that we have initiated discussions, made overtures and indicated to the new Ugandan authorities through the embassy in Paris, that we wish to have close and friendly relations with them. That of course will lead to the formal recognition by Ireland of the new Government.

I am asking a straight question and hope the Minister will be able to give an equally straight answer. What Government is now recognised by Ireland as the legitimate Government of Uganda?

The authorities who are in effective control in Uganda. The new Ugandan Government under the leadership of President Yusus Lule was established following the capture of Kampala by the Ugandan National Liberation Front, with the support of the Tanzanian forces on 11 April. This Government have already been formally recognised by a number of States, including Britain, the United States and Canada. The British Government have already re-established diplomatic relations. We have made the required overtures and contacts and have had discussions with the new authorities——

But we have not yet recognised the Government?

We are proceeding to that end. I thought I made that clear in my reply to Deputy Byrne.