asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the countries his Department have had discussions with in the past four years concerning the possibility of opening diplomatic relations.

Diplomatic relations were established in the past four years with the following countries: Brunei, Cyprus, Indonesia, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Philippines, Sudan, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

It would be inappropriate and contrary to international practice to speculate publicly on the question of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and any other country with which we do not already have formal relations as this would be a matter for discussion and prior agreement between the Irish Government and any other Government concerned. The establishment of diplomatic relations with other countries is a matter which is kept under regular review in the light of our national and international interests and availability of the necessary resources.

Is there any progress in negotiations to establish diplomatic relations with Nicaragua?

As I said in answer to the question, it is inappropriate, because there are two Governments involved for one of those Governments to comment publicly on whether they do or do not intend to open diplomatic relations with the other. I would be anxious to do something for all the central American countries, and not pick out one of them.

Even the ones which are not democratic?

Touché. We have diplomatic relations with countries which are not democratic now.

That is true, but the Minister does not necessarily mean the ones I mean.

Does the Deputy want to compare a list as there might be an overlap.

Perhaps on another day.