Might I ask the Taoiseach, in view of the fact that President Reagan is coming here later on in the year, is his journey to the United States really necessary at this stage?

That question does not arise on Question Nos. 1, 2 or 3.

I will not pursue it then. Could the Taoiseach tell me is it true that at the time of his visit, or around that time, there will be actually 15 Ministers of this Government in the United States?

That does not arise either.

It is a very interesting question.

A final supplementary from Deputy De Rossa.

First of all, I regard my visit as necessary and useful and trust and believe it will be as much so as the Deputy's visit there as Taoiseach two years ago when he took over from me at short notice and did his best to stand in. A number of Ministers and Ministers of State will be in the United States. We are anxious to ensure that the maximum impact is made at this time of year in the United States in respect of a number of aspects of policy, in particular the development of industry here, the development of tourism at a time when conditions are particularly favourable to that and also to ensure the fullest possible understanding among people in various parts of the United States of the problem in Northern Ireland which is a subject, as the Deputy well knows, of some misunderstanding in that country.

Again, there is the question of Fords in Detroit.

A final supplementary from Deputy De Rossa.