asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the exact mandate given to the Dooge Committee on the long-term development of the European Community.

The mandate of the Dooge Committee was defined by the European Council at Fontainebleau in June, as follows:

The Committee's function will be to make suggestions for the improvement of the operation of European co-operation in both the Community field and that of political or any other co-operation.

While the mandate given to the committee by the Council allows it wide scope for discussion, it is likely to direct its attention to such issues as European integration, institutional matters and improving and extending co-operation within the Community in existing and new policy areas.

More specifically, I understand that the committee is likely to address itself to such practical matters as economic policy, unemployment, technology, consideration of the internal market and differing levels of development within the Community.

Is it the Minister's understanding that Senator Dooge will remain in the Chair after the conclusion of the Irish Presidency?

That is my understanding.

Will the Minister explain the differences which arose between the Irish and German Governments over the composition of the committee?

No differences arose between the Presidency and any other Government over the composition of the committee.

Did any differences arise between the German and Irish Governments as regards the chairmanship of the committee?

No. The Taoiseach was given certain guidelines as to how he should proceed at the Fontainebleau summit and he went ahead and obeyed them.

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the many newspaper reports at the time of the establishment of the committee? Will he comment on whether they are true?

I have no comment to make on them. The Taoiseach was given guidelines as to how to proceed with the formation of the committee and he went ahead on the basis of those guidelines.