asked the Taoiseach if he held any discussions regarding Northern Ireland with Mrs. Thatcher on her visit to Dublin and if so, if he will make a statement thereon.

The obligations of the Presidency, which were particularly onerous on this occasion, precluded the possibility of separate discussions on Northern Ireland with the British Prime Minister during her visit to Dublin last week for the meeting of the European Council.

Could the Taoiseach advise the House whether he has any immediate plans to make further contact with Mrs. Thatcher?

That is a separate question.

Arising out of the question, can the Taoiseach advise the House as to whether he has any immediate plans to make contact with Mrs. Thatcher in the near future on this issue?

The Ceann Comhairle says it is a separate question. I do not mind answering it.

It is a separate question.

I am raising a point in regard to the discussions which it was hoped would have taken place last weekend. I appreciate the heavy burden on the Taoiseach in his capacity as President of the Council. In view of the fact that it was not possible to have these discussions last weekend, has the Taoiseach any plans for further contacts in the immediate future with Mrs. Thatcher?

At the risk of breaching the Ceann Comhairle's ruling, I have no immediate plans.

At all?

I said no immediate plans. That is the question the Deputy put.