asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government have made any representations to the United States concerning their recent decision to send an aircraft-carrier battle group to the west coast of Nicaragua and to engage in extended military manoeuvres in Honduras, in view of the danger that this will lead to extended conflict in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

No such representations were made by the Government to the United States. Our position on the conflict in Central America — and that of the ten member states of the Community — is known to the United States, and was articulated by the Heads of State and Government at the European Council of 17-19 June 1983 in the following words:

The Heads of State and Government confirmed their close interest in developments in Central America. They are deeply concerned at the economic and social conditions in many parts of the region, at the tensions which these create and at the widespread misery and bloodshed.

They are convinced that the problems of Central America cannot be solved by military means, but only by a political solution springing from the region itself and respecting the principles of non-interference and inviolability of frontiers. They, therefore, fully support the current initiative of the Contadora Group. They underline the need for the establishment of democratic conditions and for the strict observance of human rights throughout the region.

They are ready to continue contributing to the further development in the area in order to promote progress towards stability.

I should like to ask the Minister if he is aware that on Friday last the US House of Representatives called for an end to the Somoza ex-guardsmen who are threatening the security, stability and peace of Nicaragua? Is the Minister aware that the US Council of Churches called for an end to the destabilising of Nicaragua and that the American Catholic Bishops Conference also called for an end to the destabilisation of the situation in Central America? Is the Minister aware that that conference — with respect to Deputy Burke — issued a strong statement calling for de-escalation of the nuclear threat to world peace?

I am aware that the political position in Central America is most complicated and that there have been numerous attempts to achieve peace and stability there. As I indicated, the Government, through the ten members of the Community have articulated their desire to see a peaceful solution to the problems of this area. In particular they have indicated their full support for the initiative of the Contadora Group. It is within the terms of that initiative that lie the most immediate hope of an early and satisfactory solution to the problem in the area.

On a point of order and before the Minister replies to the next question, I do not know whether it is because Deputy Fitzgerald and I are so far back in the Chamber or because we are getting a little deaf, but we find it impossible to hear the Minister.

I will speak up.