asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, if, in the light of Ireland's involvement in the Lebanon with the UNIFIL force, he considers it apropriate for Ireland to be involved in diplomatic sanctions against any state or states of the region.

The Government share the profound concerns of their European partners at recent acts of international terrorism. Within the Twelve, we have participated in the endeavour to develop an agreed European strategy designed to assist in the eradication of this evil which threatens the citizens of all our states. In this connection, the Twelve have made it clear that states which sponsor or support terrorism cannot expect to have normal relations with them.

This approach is a political one aimed at discouraging any involvement by any state in acts of terrorism. The measures elaborated in this context have been taken after careful consideration and are proportionate, appropriate and in accordance with international law. The Twelve have also emphasised, within the framework of their political approach, that they stand ready to co-operate with all concerned states in the effort to defeat terrorism.

The UNIFIL operation in South Lebanon is one which is mandated by the Security Council of the United Nations which has frequently called upon all the parties concerned to co-operate fully with the force for the implementation of their mandate. The Government are of the view that UNIFIL are entitled to such co-operation and that in particular they are entitled to the full support and co-operation of all the states in the region.

Does the Minister consider that Ireland, as a contrbutor to the UNIFIL contingent, must maintain good relations with all states in the Middle East region involved in the Lebanon? Does he agree that to single out one state for sanctions could be prejudicial to the exercise of the UNIFIL mission?

I accept that we must maintain good relations with all countries in the area but my remarks are not inconsistent with the Irish stance against terrorism which is a very important part of our role.

Deputy Power rose.

Supplementaries on Priority Questions are confined to the Deputy who asks them.

Does the Minister consider that, in the light of glaring inconsistencies in the approach to international terrorism by one or more Western countries, including the breach of sanctions, our Government and other EC Governments should at least suspend any such sanctions until there is full clarification of what has been going on?

The European Minister are trying to adopt a uniform approach to terrorism, not just among themselves, but also embracing other countries. The fight against terrorism has been expanded to the Council of Europe with the intention of speaking to the Arab League and the Gulf States so that as many countries as possible will be involved in the fight against international terrorism. It is one of the major plagues of the eighties and it is appalling to think that people cannot travel by boat or aeroplane without the danger of being blown up. We must all combine to fight terrorism although I am not suggesting that anybody in the House disagrees with me.