asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is the policy or practice of his Department to use private courier firms for the transfer of diplomatic bags to Dublin Airport or for any other purpose.

For the transmission by air of routine diplomatic correspondence the Department of Foreign Affairs have an arrangement with Aer Lingus for the delivery and collection of diplomatic bags between the Department's headquarters and Dublin Airport. This service is now, I understand, operated by a private courier firm under contract to Aer Lingus. However, Aer Lingus continue to retain full responsibility for the safe-keeping of diplomatic bags from the time of collection to the time of delivery and Aer Lingus continue to invoice the Department of Foreign Affairs for this service.

The Department of Foreign Affairs have a contract with a private courier firm for the transportation of cash.

Would it not be more appropriate for Aer Lingus to use the services of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs? Will the Minister make representations to Aer Lingus to ensure that State services are used for the transport of diplomatic bags?

Without wishing to avoid the implication of the Deputy's question I must point out that that is a matter for the Minister for Transport. As far as the Department of Foreign Affairs are concerned Aer Lingus are the contractors and have the obligation to collect and deliver routine diplomatic correspondence. Aer Lingus are the concern primarily responsible to the Department. It is a matter for Aer Lingus as to how they carry out their contract.

In view of the type of material which diplomatic bags may contain would it not be more appropriate for a State company, whose employees presumably have clearance for security reasons in view of the fact that they handle post, to be handling this type of material than for private firms to be doing so?

I can see merit in what Deputy De Rossa has said. Certainly the vast majority of personnel in the Department of Posts and Telegraphs are loyal, dedicated servants of the State. However, it is a matter for Aer Lingus.