asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his recent discussions with the vice-President of Nicaragua, Senor Ramirez.

It would not be appropriate for me, nor is it the established practice, to disclose publicly details of confidential discussions of this nature. Senor Ramirez's visit here was part of a tour of west European countries and, as the Deputy will appreciate, my discussions with him concentrated on the current crisis and prospects in the Central America region including the situation in his own country.

Is the Taoiseach concerned with the damage being done to the political and economic system in Nicaragua because of the United States-backed Contra campaign? Has he any plans to raise that at the highest level with the United States authorities?

That is a separate question.

It is relevant. Will the Taoiseach also raise the question of the withdrawal of the United States from the Contadora process and from the hearing at the World Court?

I am ruling that that is clearly a separate question.

It is relevant and it is a fair question.

I am calling Question No. 3.

I do not belong to the same party and perhaps I may be permitted to ask a question. Will the Taoiseach indicate if the vice-President of Nicaragua made the same point to him as he made to me, namely, that all the Nicaraguans were seeking at this stage was a resumption of talks between themselves and the United States?

I do not want to go into the question of what was discussed in detail but it is well known that the Nicaraguan Government are anxious to have a resumption of those talks and they are also concerned that the Contadora process should proceed. It is our position, with the other members of the Ten, that we favour the continuation of the Contadora process which we support strongly. We hope that the meeting that failed to take place in the past few days can be organised as soon as possible for a constructive discussion of the issues raised in the Contadora act.

In view of the Taoiseach's reply to Deputy Haughey's question, two standards seem to apply in this House — one for the Leader of the Opposition and one for Deputy backbenchers.

Deputy Allen will resume his seat.

I just asked the same question——

Deputy Allen will resume his seat now. If Deputy Allen is casting any reflection on the Chair, he will withdraw that at once.

I will withdraw it, but I cannot understand how the same question could be allowed. Has the Taoiseach any plans at present to open up diplomatic relations with not only Nicaragua but the whole Central American region, even at consular level?

In certain countries we have honorary consuls, but there are no plans for diplomatic relations with the countries in question. There are financial constraints and limitations on the range of diplomatic relations that we can organise. We are not at present contemplating a move of that kind which would be costly in relation to that area.

Will the Taoiseach reconsider the position in relation to diplomatic relations since relations at consular level would not be too expensive for this country?

Let me make a distinction. There is consular representation, which does not constitute formal diplomatic relations. We have honorary consuls in various areas, and that is open to consideration. The question of our honorary consular representation is under active review at present, not particularly in that part of the world but generally. No doubt that review covers Central America, but I have no details of it.

The party which visited Nicaragua recently brought out a report containing certain recommendations. Has the Taoiseach any plans to pursue these recommendations with our partners within the EC?

How that question arises out of the question on the Order Paper is not clear.

I presume that the Taoiseach discussed matters such as these with Senor Ramirez when he was in Dublin?

That is a totally different question.

Come over here and we will look after you.