asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he or his officials have had any discussions with the British authorities on the possibility of joint policing.

The Government have presented the Forum report in all its aspects to the British Government. It would be inappropriate to comment on what has or has not been discussed, pending the considered response of the British Government to the Forum report.

Would the Minister not agree that the idea of allowing the British security forces to operate south of the Border would be wholly unacceptable to the people of this country? Would he agree that he should not send our Gardaí north of the Border to uphold continued British rule there and that there they would be exposed to attack from all sides?

As I said in my reply, we have submitted the Forum report to the British Government and are now awaiting their official response to that report. At that stage I hope we will be able to discuss with that Government means and structures which could be put in place to bring about some peace, stability and reconciliation for all the people of Northern Ireland.