asked the Minister for Transport if his consent was sought by the French authorities for their plan to enter the plane and overpower the hijacker in the recent incident involving an Aer Lingus jet at Le Touquet Airport, France.

Since the hijacked plane landed in French territory, the primary responsibility for dealing with the incident rested with the French authorities. However, the Minister was kept in constant touch with developments by the French authorities and was aware at all times that they had a plan to enter the plane.

I would like to place on record my appreciation to all who assisted in bringing about the satisfactory ending to this incident.

I merely asked in the question if the Minister's consent was sought by the French authorities.

The primary responsibility for dealing with security matters rested with the French authorities.

I appreciate that, but I asked was his consent sought.

I understand that the French authorities dealt with the matter and kept the Minister fully informed what they proposed to do.

Would the Minister agree that under French law the Minister's consent was neither required or sought.

I am not aware of the details of French law but Deputies will understand that the Minister was fully consulted and not only that but everything that took place out there was discussed with him.

If he said no, would they have——

That did not arise.