Arising from the Taoiseach's reply, in which he referred to the fact that he would discuss the employment problem with the President, what steps does he intend to take while in America to further the request of the Government to meet with the Ford Motor Corporation regarding the future of the Ford plant in Cork?

I could not answer that question at this stage. That matter is still under discussion between the Government and Ford and I would not know at this stage whether there will be anything to be done usefully in the US. If there is while I am there I will certainly do it.

Let me remind the Taoiseach that two of his Ministers indicated——

A question, Deputy.

——some months ago that they had requested a meeting with the management of the Ford Motor Corporation in the US. As a result of that, would he see it wise for him now to pursue the possibility of holding that meeting in the economic interest of Cork and the nation generally?

Not at this moment and this stage.

Why not now?

With respect to the Deputy, I do not think that the matter arises on that question in that form, but in considering what matters to raise in the United States with the people I will be meeting there I will be taking account of the position in respect of those matters at the time I am there, which is a week away. As of this moment I would not propose to take that matter up. That could change in the light of developments in regard to Fords in the meantime.

The Taoiseach's answers are disappointing.