asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government approve of the decision of the United States Government to impose trade sanctions against Nicaragua; if the Government have made any representations to the US Government in protest at this move; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Government have not been asked by the US administration either to participate in or to approve the economic sanctions against Nicaragua which were announced on 1 May 1985.

All parties involved in the Central American situation including the US are fully aware of our position. Our approach, which is also that of the ten member states of the European Community, is that the problems of the region can only be solved by a political agreement coming from within the region itself. For this reason Ireland fully supports Security Council Resolution 562 of 10 May 1985. That resolution which was adopted at the conclusion of an urgent meeting of the Security Council requested by Nicaragua, sets out four key points. First, it reaffirmed the sovereignty and inalienable right of Nicaragua to freely decide on its own political, economic and social systems. Secondly, it reaffirmed support for the Contadora process. Thirdly, it called on all states to refrain from carrying out, supporting or promoting economic or military actions of any kind against any state in the region which might impede the Contadora process. Fourthly, it called on the Governments of the US and Nicaragua to resume the dialogue they had been holding in Manzanillo, Mexico, towards reaching agreement on normalising their relations.

Together with our partners in the European Community we will continue to do whatever we can to help those directly involved to achieve enduring peace and stability in the region. As the Deputy knows, the San Jose Conference in September 1984 saw the initiation of a process of political and economic dialogue between the two regions. This dialogue has helped underpin the Contadora process. Since the San Jose Conference a number of successful meetings have been held between the Commission of the European Community and representatives of Central America. The Commission has now submitted to the EC Council of Ministers a draft negotiating mandate for the conclusion of an Economic Co-operation Agreement between the two regions. It is proposed that a substantial increase in aid to Central America will follow the conclusion of the agreement. I hope that a second conference of Foreign Ministers to discuss both economic and political issues and to conclude the Economic Co-operation Agreement will take place in Luxembourg before the end of the the year.

In view of the close relationship between this country and the United States, does the Minister not consider it appropriate that our Minister for Foreign Affairs and Government should indicate our dissatisfaction with the direction in which the United States is moving in regard to Nicaragua? While it is laudable that our position should be put forward as part of the policy of the EC, our membership of the Community does not mean that we must lose our individuality. We can still put forward our views as an individual country which has relations with the United States in regard to their moves to overthrow a democratically elected government in Nicaragua.

Our general approach to the position in Central America is that the problems of the region can only be solved by political agreement within the region itself. I specifically mentioned that we support Security Council Resolution No. 562 which calls on all states to refrain from carrying out, supporting or promoting economic and military actions of any kind against any state in the region which might impede the Contadora peace.

Would the Minister agree that the steps now being taken by the United States administration threaten the very existence of the Nicaraguan administration and state? Would he not agree that the situation being brought about by the US sanctions is similar to the situation in which we found ourselves during the twenties and thirties when we were threatened by a far stronger neighbour? Would he consider that it would be an appropriate sign of support for the administration there if we set up some form of diplomatic relations with Nicaragua? We might consider development aid. All these things would be a sign of support by a small country in Europe for a similar small country in Central America.

I have already set out our views in regard to the solution to the problems in this region. We support the UN Security Council Resolution No. 562. and I have mentioned the various key points. Regarding diplomatic relations with Nicaragua, it is proper to point out that other considerations would have to arise.

Even at consular level?

There is a difference between diplomatic and consular functions. The consular function is to deal with consular problems, mainly related to Irish citizens in a particular country. My understanding is that the number of Irish citizens in Nicaragua is almost nil. A consular function also has something to do with trade but the trade between our two countries is very small. Regarding the diplomatic situation, the Deputy will be aware that cost factors are a major consideration. I recently had an opportunity of meeting the Vice-President of Nicaragua and I indicated to him that we had supported co-finance on projects in Nicaragua and that I would be open to further proposals in this area.

The Nicaraguan Government have made a general request for food aid. In view of the deteriorating situation as a result of the sanctions, will the Minister ask the Government to consider providing food aid to the people of Nicaragua in order to preserve their democracy?

It is correct to point out that at my meeting with the Vice-President of Nicaragua the question of food aid was discussed. I indicated our general policy in relation to food aid which would limit me in giving a positive response to that request. On the other hand, I felt that a better chance of making progress was through the co-financing of schemes with the voluntary agencies in Nicaragua.

I am calling Deputy Hyland to ask a short question and then I will move on.

Does the Minister agree that signing of the Contadora agreement would be the first step towards securing peace in Central America? Is he aware that the democratically elected government of Nicaragua are prepared to sign that agreement but so far the United States has been reluctant to do so? Does he consider it necessary at this stage that Ireland should express a view in relation to America's reluctance to sign that essential agreement designed to achieve peace in Central America?

The Deputy refers to the Contadora process. From the very beginning this country has used every opportunity both bilaterially and in multilateral fora to indicate our support for the Contadora process. I reiterate that this country is totally in support of the Contadora process and wishes it to develop to a successful conclusion.

Has that view been conveyed to the Government of the United States?

I asked the Minister to indicate if food aid would be made available to Nicaragua. We quite rightly spent a considerable time discussing aid to Ethiopia and other African countries.

A question, please.

There is a serious situation in Nicaragua where people are going hungry.

A question, please. That is a speech.

Development aid is also very important but will the Minister give a commitment that food aid will be made available to the people of Nicaragua?

There may be possibilities through the European Community. From a national point of view, I have already mentioned that there are constraints in this area.