andMr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received any representations from Irish citizens concerning alleged breaches of the Helsinki Final Act by any of the other signatories and, if so, the action he has taken in relation to these alleged breaches.

In the period since the signature of the Helsinki Final Act in August 1975, representations have been received from a number of Irish citizens—individually and as group members—concerning alleged breaches of the Final Act by other signatory states. The Government's concern for the implementation of the Final Act has led us to take careful note of such representations. On many public occasions since the adoption of the Final Act, the Government's position on the need for full and balanced implementation of the terms of the Act has been very clearly stated. We have also used other suitable channels to make known our concern in specific instances. I hope the Deputies will understand that it would not be appropriate for me to go into detail on the representations which have been made in individual cases. I can assure them, however, that in such cases we have sought to use the most effective channels in conveying our concern.

Have the representations which have been made by Irish citizens in relation to alleged breaches been established to the Department's satisfaction? Have they a strong basis in fact? If so, in what way does he anticipate this will affect the participation and the position of Ireland at the Madrid Conference?

Our difficulty here is that the countries concerned are Eastern European countries and Soviet Russia. It is very difficult to get a clear picture which will substantiate the allegations made. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that, having regard to the form of Governments existing in those countries.

In view of that fact, could the Minister indicate what co-operation there has been within the Nine arising from the representations we made to the Irish State? Have other member states received similar representations?

Yes, we find the best way to deal with this type of matter is on an ad hoc basis. My predecessor had one or two successes in this respect. One can do it on a verbal basis by making the appropriate representations at diplomatic level rather than making formal representations which, more often than not, tend to be taken in a defensive manner. If one makes ad hoc verbal representations they can be successful, and have been in one or two cases.