asked the Taoiseach if he has had any discussions with the leader of the SDLP, Mr. John Hume, prior to Mr. Hume's meeting recently with Mr. Gerry Adams; if his approval was sought for this meeting; if his approval was given; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have meetings with representatives of the SDLP from time to time as part of the normal process of consultation on Government policy in relation to Northern Ireland.

I have the greatest respect for the integrity and judgment of the leader of the SDLP. The SDLP is an independent political party and no question of the kind of approval mentioned by the Deputy would arise.

Was the Taoiseach aware in advance that that meeting was to take place and, if so, will the Taoiseach say if he thinks the meeting was a good thing and what advantage may come from it?

I have complete confidence in the judgment of the leader of the SDLP and I am prepared to accept his assessment that such a meeting was beneficial.

If the Taoiseach is not prepared to state whether or not he knew about the meeting in advance, has he had a report from Mr. John Hume on the course of the meeting since the meeting and does the Taoiseach know whether or not it was advantageous? Since John Hume and Adams have both said that the question of a ceasefire, or as Adams says "the armed struggle", was not discussed, could the Taoiseach say what was discussed and if it will be beneficial?

Mr. John Hume, the leader of the SDLP has, I understand, briefed most of the political leaders in this House on the visit and has given an assessment——

Not me. Mr. Hume has not briefed me so can I share the briefing the Taoiseach got?

No. I suggest that if the Deputy wishes to have a briefing from John Hume he should seek a meeting with him. As far as I am concerned the leader of the SDLP has given a fairly widespread account to political leaders in the Republic on the meeting and his assessment of it, and the matter can be left to him at this point.

Question No. 10 please.

The Taoiseach has not made any effort to answer my question or to reassure me as a Deputy in this House, which is the Taoiseach's job. I am specifically asking the Taoiseach what advantage he expects will accure to the people North and South as a result of this meeting?

A question should not lead to repetition or argument.

I could not specifically assure the Deputy at this stage, nor would the leader of the SDLP attempt to say that there will be a particular advantage from the meeting. John Hume has frequently said that he is in the business of talking to people and that he is in the business of political discussion. As far as I am concerned, and as far as most people in this House are concerned, we would respect Mr. Hume's judgment in that area.

Question No. 10.

Can I ask——

Order. Question No. 10 has been called.

Can I ask a brief question?

I have called the next question.