asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm on deny recent reports made in a media report regarding a member of the Naval Force at Haulbowline, County Cork, having made contact with the UDA; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Limerick West): The matter referred to is under investigation by the military authorities.

Is the Minister aware of a report in The Sunday World——

I hesitate to interrupt the Deputy but he will be aware of the rule governing priority questions, that only the Member who tabled the question may ask a supplementary.

I am aware but——

I am sorry, Deputy, that is a rule that I cannot deviate from.

Deputy Clohessy asked me to take the question for him.

I am sorry, Deputy Clohessy should be here to put his supplementaries. There is a strict rule in respect of nominated questions.

I accept that but it was not possible for him to be here because he had to go somewhere in an emergency.