Taking into consideration the view that the Minister has stated the Government take of well-founded allegations of torture in the Philippines, does he consider that a State body should be engaged commercially in the Philippines?

I will answer that question very briefly. The Irish State, for the benefit of Ireland, does business with all sorts and shapes of regimes throughout the world ranging from the USSR to the Philippines.

Is the Minister saying that the Government have absolutely no principles in this regard?

If the Deputy will put down a similar question with regard to our trade negotiations and trade business with the USSR I will answer that as well.

If the Minister or his Government have any reservations about the commercial transactions in or with the USSR let them take action on it. I am asking about the Philippines.

Question No. 20. There is nothing in this question about trade relations.