andMr. Molony asked the Taoiseach if he will review the content and style of the Presidential inauguration ceremony, with a view to improving them.

I am satisfied with the content and style of the recent inauguration ceremony but any ideas which the Deputies may wish to offer will certainly be considered.

Will the Taoiseach state if he agrees with the decision of officials of his Department to exclude from the Presidential inauguration ceremony the wives of TDs, of dignitaries and international friends?

The decision was not a decision of officials but my decision and I take responsibility for it. I regret the necessity for it as I have strong views on the desirability of spouses being present whenever possible. However, in view of the accommodation situation in St. Patrick's Hall, as those present will know, it would not have been possible to accommodate the additional numbers that would have been involved if the spouses of those present had been invited. Therefore, there was no alternative to the course of action adopted, much though I personally regretted it.

Could not a more suitable location have been used to ensure that the women of this country were given the respect to which they are entitled? Further, would he not agree that what happened was an insult to the women of the country?

The spouses——

I do not agree it was an insult to the women of the country. It is a matter to be regretted that the accommodation did not make possible the presence of spouses, whether male or female.