Has the Taoiseach's consideration of the necessity of having a foreign affairs committee composed of both Houses of the Oireachtas with terms of reference concluded? Will he indicate to the House whether he agrees in principle with the establishment of such a committee?

I have not come to any final decision about the desirability or need for the establishment of such committee. I propose as a first step to re-establish the committee who are responsible for examining the secondary legislation of the European Communities.

Is the Taoiseach not aware that the terms of reference of the Oireachtas joint committee to which he refers preclude them specifically from dealing with most of the matters which were discussed under Title III?

I am so aware but there is a statutory obligation on us to re-establish that committee and I propose to proceed as regards that obligation first.