asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether an invitation was received by the Irish Ambassador to the United Nations from the Cardinal Archbishop of New York to attend the Solemn Pontifical Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sunday, 20 October to mark the 40th anniversary of the United Nations; the nature of the reply to the invitation sent to Cardinal O'Connor; if the Taoiseach had previously been informed that the Mass was being celebrated; and if he will confirm that over 50 Ambassadors were present and that a number of Heads of State and Government also attended.

An invitation to attend the Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sunday 20 October 1985 was received by the Irish Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He was not free to attend the Mass and contacted the Office of the Cardinal Archbishop to explain his inability to attend.

The Taoiseach was not previously aware of the Mass nor did he receive any invitation to attend it. I am not aware, nor am I in any position to confirm which Ambassadors or Heads of State or Government attended.

I should mention that in connection with the opening of the 40th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Irish Permanent Representative attended an Ecumenical Ceremony at the Holy Family Church in New York presided over by Cardinal O'Connor, on 16 September 1985.

Is the Minister saying that the Irish mission to the UN failed to tell the Taoiseach that a Pontificial High Mass was to be celebrated by Cardinal O'Connor and addressed by the Pope's special envoy, Cardinal Casaroli?

The whole of New York knew it was on.

The Ambassador to the UN was invited to attend the Mass. The Taoiseach was not invited to attend the Mass.

Is the Minister saying that the Ambassador to the UN failed to tell the Taoiseach that the Mass was taking place?

I do not see what that question has to do with it. Perhaps he did tell the Taoiseach that it was on but the Taoiseach was not invited to the Mass.

Is the Minister aware——

I am sure the Deputy will agree——

——that other Heads of Government and other Heads of State who were at the UN went to the Church ceremony?

——that it would be very bad manners for the Taoiseach to turn up where he was not invited.

I can tell of a few places where he turned up when he was not invited.

Will the Minister let us know why the the Irish Ambassador to the UN did not accept the invitation to attend this Mass.

He did not attend because the Taoiseach was in New York on the same day and he had to be with the Taoiseach.

Question Time is over. Questions Nos. 12 to 25, with the exceptions of Nos. 19, 21, 24 and 25 which have been answered, will go for written reply unless re-balloting is requested before 4 o'clock.