Will the Minister outline what he intends to do about repeated requests from the Nicaraguan government for at least consular representation there in view of the fact that we have consular representation with El Salvador?

I suppose in a way we are moving into a different area, we are goint into Central America.

It is all the same region; it is all Latin America. They are all on the same continent.

The Deputy's question seems to fall outside the scope of the question before the House. The question of diplomatic relations with many countries is kept under continuous review. We are under pressure from the point of view of resident ambassadors, external accreditation and the appointment of consulars and so on, in many areas throughout the world. Generally, while I would favour a considerable increase in our diplomatic relations at all levels from a politcal point of view we have to bear in mind very much the economic aspects and resources available to the Department as far as any extension of our diplomatic relations is concerned.

I do not think there is any cost involved in the exchange of consular representations between nations. It is merely a recognition of our commitment to friendship among nations. In this case, in view of the position in Nicaragua, a country with a similar history to our own in the last century, it is important as an act of solidarity with the oppressed people of that region that we exchange consular officials with that country. My question does not have anything to do with the opening of expensive embassies or anything else but is an act of solidarity with the people of Nicaragua.

I am calling on Deputy Lenihan next but I must point out that the question under discussion asked for a report on the development of relations between the Republic of Ireland and countries in South America. That does not give rise to a discussion on policy.

All I can say is that I did not get an answer to a reasonable and sensible question.

I will not allow a question on policy at Question Time.