asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the British Government to ensure that nuclear weapons are not sited in the Six Counties.

I am not aware of any decision by the British Government to sanction the location of nuclear weapons in Northern Ireland. The question of representations to the British Government, therefore, does not arise.

The question of sovereignty is rather obscure. May I take it that we would have a right as a sovereign Government to protest against the placement of such missiles if that was considered as, as far as I recollect, Deputy de Valera did in war time?

I did make my point of view known in that respect, but this is hypothetical and there is no such proposition or proposal to locate nuclear weapons in Northern Ireland. I have seen the press reports and, as far as my information is concerned, I have made a very thorough investigation of the matter. The reports are completely without foundation.

Would any such proposition be resisted strongly by the Irish Government?

Oh, yes. We have very strong views, naturally.

Did the thorough investigation involve straight questions to the British Government and straight answers?