asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on Government relations with Libya.

Ireland and Libya agreed in July 1977 to establish diplomatic relations on a non-residential basis. The Irish Ambassador to Italy is currently also accredited to Tripoli. The head of the Libyan People's Bureau in London had been accredited to Dublin; following the breaking of relations between the UK and Libya no new arrangement has yet been made for Libyan accreditation to Dublin.

The Government were gravely concerned by remarks reported to have been made in April and May by Colonel Gaddafi about possible Libyan support for the IRA. We have made clear in a number of subsequent contacts with the Libyan authorities the total unacceptability of Libyan support for, or offers of support for the IRA.

Economic co-operation between Ireland and Libya is discussed in the Irish-Libyan Joint Commission on Economic, Industrial, Scientific and Technological Co-operation. That commission is due to meet in Tripoli this year but dates have not yet been arranged. Libya is an important market for Irish exports with the trade balance heavily in Ireland's favour. The Libyan authorities have urged the Government to redress the imbalance by purchasing Libyan oil. Cost is the main factor against this.

Is the Minister aware of the operation of Libyan extermination squads throughout Europe? Is account being taken to ensure that they do not and cannot operate against Libyan citizens in this country who are opponents of Colonel Gaddafi?

I am aware of newspaper reports to the effect that the Deputy suggests. Of course, the security forces of the State will be always alert to guard against any such happening in this jurisdiction.