asked the Taoiseach the up-to-date position regarding arrangements for a meeting of European Community heads of state or government.

The postponed meeting of the European Council will take place in Luxembourg on 27-28 April.

Will the Taoiseach indicate whether he will take the opportunity at Luxembourg to have substantive discussions on Northern Ireland with Mrs. Thatcher?

The question relates to when the meeting will occur, not to what will happen.

The question relates to arrangements.

It relates to arrangements for a meeting, not to the details of what will occur. I want to discourage the practice of raising all conceivable matters on restricted questions of this kind.

I am asking the Taoiseach—I gather he is willing to reply——

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle.

If the Taoiseach is willing to reply he will be allowed to do so.

I expect I will be having an en marge meeting with Mrs. Thatcher on the occasion of the Luxembourg summit.

Can the Taoiseach indicate if there will be any detailed discussion on Northern Ireland?

I doubt if there will be time to have anything in the nature of a substantive meeting. I hope that a full meeting will follow fairly soon afterwards.

Can the Taoiseach say when the full meeting will take place?

Not yet.

Has the Taoiseach requested a full meeting?

Discussions about these matters are in progress at this moment.

Has the Taoiseach made a formal request?

No.

2.