asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of any developments that are taking place at Bishop-scourt airfield, County Down, with a view to providing nuclear missile launching sites at this locality.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together. The answer to both questions is in the negative.

I am sure the Minister is aware of the widespread concern regarding the possibility of placing nuclear missiles at this site. Would the Minister seek an assurance from the British Government that there will be no siting of nuclear missiles on any part of Irish soil to eliminate the possibility of this country being a targeted area in a nuclear attack? As these two questions are distinctly separate, with your permission, A Cheann Comhairle, I reserve a supplementary question following the Minister's reply.

The assurance to which the Deputy refers has already been given in relation to Northern Ireland. Specific assurances have been given by the British authorities but there are no plans to site cruise or any other missiles in Northern Ireland.