asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland officially recognises the PLO and the attitude of the Government to Palestinian claims to a homeland on the West Bank and Gaza.

Ireland extends official recognition to states. The question of giving official recognition to the PLO does not accordingly arise.

In his address to the UN General Assembly on 25 September 1979 the Minister for Foreign Affairs on behalf of the Nine member states, stated that a just and comprehensive settlement in the Middle East must respect the legitimate rights of the Palestinians, including their right to a homeland.

With what body, at diplomatic level, are discussions taking place, bearing in mind the Palestinian's need to be represented by somebody at such discussions?

The Government maintain contact with all organisations concerned with providing a homeland for the Palestinian people and that includes the PLO.

Could I clarify a point? The Minister said that the Government's intention was——

To maintain contact with all people concerned with providing a homeland for the Palestinian people and that includes the PLO.

Could the Minister explain the difference between having contact, which presumably involves having discussions with the PLO, and recognising the body with whom he would be having discussions?

There are diplomatic ways of building up contacts and maintaining contacts. The House can be assured that, as far as Ireland is concerned, both as a country and as holding the Presidency of the EEC, we are strongly in favour of the provision of a homeland for the Palestinians.

While the Minister has indicated that Ireland is in favour of the establishment of a Palestinian homeland, have we an interest in the matter in view of the fact that we have a contingent in the Middle East? Can the Minister indicate what steps have been taken by the EEC to promote the cause of the establishment of a Palestinian homeland, bearing in mind our Presidency of the EEC?

Every diplomatic initiative that can be taken is being taken by the Minister.

May I ask the Minister——

The Deputy has already asked four supplementaries.

With respect, I asked for information.

The Chair must have some discretion in the matter.

I appreciate that, but surely a Deputy who puts down a question is entitled to information.

Four supplementaries are too many.

I have been told by the Minister that every diplomatic initiative is being taken. I asked the Minister what exactly was being done. Could the Minister outline the steps that have been taken since Ireland assumed the Presidency and the steps proposed?

As far as we are concerned, both in our capacity as a country and in our capacity of holding the Presidency of the EEC, every effort has been made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to bring about a settlement in the Middle East which would embody a homeland for the Palestinians.

What effort is he making?

I am calling Deputy Mitchell.

I am not getting an answer from the Minister.

The Chair is not responsible for the answers.