asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the following matters for discussion on the issue of El Salvador in the Council of Foreign Ministers meeting on political co-operation: (a) that the Foreign Ministers propose an investigation of the violation of human rights, (b) that they, on behalf of the Nine, make a request to the United States Government to discontinue support for the Government in El Salvador with arms, (c) the calling by the Nine for a United Nations debate on El Salvador, together with an international arms embargo.

The Deputy will be aware that, in reply to a question from Deputy O'Keeffe in the Dáil on 29 April last, I indicated that I would take up the question of El Salvador among the Nine. As a first step my Department, on my instructions, have already sought discussion of El Salvador among the Nine at official level with a view to ascertaining the extent of agreement on action of the kind suggested by the Deputy.

Has the Minister received any representations from Irish missionaries or any communications from Irish citizens working in El Salvador in relation to the current happenings?

Yes. I had a number of letters from Irish missionaries, from a number of Irish Church personnel and a number of other lay people. I appreciate the seriousness of the situation which exists.

Since 29 April has the Minister made any representations directly on behalf of the Republic of Ireland to the United States Government concerning their continued military support for the present regime?

The most effective way we can operate is through the Community. That is why I have already taken an initiative. It will be on the agenda for the next meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Nine. I am seeking to have a discussion among us with a view to the Nine taking an initiative at official level. That is the most appropriate and the best way we can operate in this matter.

May I ask the Minister——

We must move on. We have dealt with 22 questions only in an hour and 20 minutes.

I have not delayed the House. Would the Minister be willing to reconsider trade links between countries like El Salvador and this country?

That is another aspect which can be examined.