asked the Taoiseach when he proposes to visit Australia in connection with that country's celebration of its bi-centenary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

5.

asked the Taoiseach the reasons for the postponement of his official visit to Australia.

6.

asked the Taoiseach the reason he is not visiting Australia as planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

7.

asked the Taoiseach if he will outline any proposals he may have for official visits abroad, indicating the purposes and dates of such visits; and whether any such proposals will be developed with a view to maximising trading opportunities for Ireland and employment prospects at home.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 7, inclusive, together. As a visit by me to Australia for St. Patrick's Day was not definitely decided upon at any stage there is no question of its being postponed.

It is my intention, depending on circumstances, to visit Australia later this year but, as with my official visits abroad generally, it is not the practice for security and other reasons to give details too far in advance. The House can be assured that while abroad on official business, each member of the Government avails of every opportunity that presents itself to improve relations, increase our export trade and to promote the image of Ireland in the host country.

Can the Taoiseach give some details to the House of the areas in which he would expect increased trade between Ireland and Australia consequent on the visit of Prime Minister Hawke to Ireland or consequent on the Taoiseach's visit to Australia should he succeed in going there during his tenure of office? What areas of trade does he see developing?

The most immediate area of benefit to us would be Australian investment here but there are other areas in which we could hope to develop mutually beneficial trading relations.