asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of states, including Belize, whose Governments this country officially recognises; the number, if any, which we do not recognise; and, if there are any such cases, the reason or reasons for non-recognition.

Ireland's practice is to recognise states rather than Governments and consequently the question of recognition or non-recognition of particular Governments does not normally arise. At present 162 states are recognised by Ireland as independent sovereign states.

Would the Minister name the countries we do not recognise? I can see the definition between Government and state, nevertheless I would like the names of countries we do not officially recognise?

Yes — North Korea, Taiwan, Namibia, the Independent Homelands in South Africa, Palestine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bylorussia and the Ukraine.

I would have thought that the countries listed there in the Baltic and the Ukraine would have come under the aegis of the USSR? Surely we recognise the USSR? Have we had representations from the individual states listed — Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Ukraine? Are their Governments under the jurisdiction of the USSR?

It is not the normal practice to give reasons why particular states are not recognised.

Could I precede my next question by congratulating the Minister on his appointment and I wish him every success? In the light of the criteria which he lays down, how does he account for our recognition of the PLO?

The state of Palestine is not recognised by us.

I am talking about the PLO.

What about it?

We recognise the PLO arising from the Bahrain declaration.

I suggest the Deputy should table a separate question on that matter.