asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied with the level of public awareness on issues relating to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am satisfied with the level of public awareness on issues relating to my Department. There are a number of Dáil debates on foreign policy in the shape of debates on the Estimates of my Department, the debates on the periodic Reports on Developments in the European Communities, and ad hoc debates which occur from time to time. On numerous occasions throughout the year I have made public statements and statements in this House on the various issues relating to my Department and these have been widely reported in the media.