asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the negotiations that have taken place between this country and other European countries about the direct broadcasting of television and radio programmes by satellite.

No such negotiations have taken place.

We want a reply to Question No. 10.

We did not hear the answer to Question No. 9.

The Minister has just read out the answer to Question No. 9.

I have two supplementary questions. Firstly, what financial contribution has this country made to the financing of the orbital test satellite; secondly, what will the Department's attitude be towards applications from private companies when the independent service will begin transmission in January?

If the Deputy puts down separate questions, I will endeavour to get the information for him.

May I ask one supplementary question on this issue because it is important? I was abroad recently——

Are you going to ask a question?

The Minister of State at that Department stated publicly that we were going to have contracts signed for this——

You cannot make speeches, Deputy.

Is the Minister not communicating with the Minister of State, or what is wrong between them? One seems to be saying one thing, and the other the direct opposite.

The Deputy is listening with the left ear and he should be listening with the right.