asked the Taoiseach if he will set out the likely agenda for the European Council to be held in Brussels on 11 and 12 February 1988.

I would refer the Deputy to my statement in this House on 8 December last when I reported on the European Council in Copenhagen on 4-5 December.

In that statement, I mentioned that the main purpose of next month's special meeting of the European Council is to resume discussion, and hopefully reach conclusions, on the main issues facing the Community as indicated in the Delors plan. Beyond this, and in accordance with established practice, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance on what other issues may be discussed at that meeting.

Does the Taoiseach feel that there are reasonable prospects of the budgetary problems of the Community being agreed at this meeting on 11 February?

As the Deputy knows, it is always very difficult in Community affairs to forecast what the outcome may be, but there is a widespread determination to make this February summit meeting succeed.

Does the Taoiseach propose in the course of this European Council to meet Mrs. Thatcher specifically for the purpose of discussing Anglo-Irish relations?

No decision on that has been taken yet.

In view of the serious problems that arose during this week would the Taoiseach consider that a very early meeting between himself and herself would be advisable in advance of the Brussels summit of 11 and 12 February?

As the Deputy knows, such meetings, if they are to take place, are never heard of in advance.

Question No. 11.

Have we any reason to hope that there will be such a meeting before then?

The Deputy will be informed in due course.