Would I be wrong in believing that the Taoiseach had no intention of issuing any invitation in the immediate future to any Unionist organisation and that this meeting would be left solely on the basis of a speech made at a party convention?

I would not regard it as merely a speech. I have followed it up. I see it as a very clear invitation at large to the Unionist community and representatives of that community. I think my issuing the invitation is an important first step and that it is advisable to wait and see what happens.

Would the Taoiseach, if he were in their position, be disposed to taking up an invitation at large rather than by means of a letter of communication addressed to him?

I think the Deputy will realise that these matters have to be handled sensitively and there is a considerable spread of representation of the Unionist community. To follow up the Deputy's suggestion in a specific way might not be the most desirable way to go about it.

Is anything happening——

Ceist 4. I thought I dealt with that.

The Leader of the Official Unionist Party, Mr. Molyneaux, has given a general indication that he would like to talk to Dublin and the Taoiseach's Árd Fheis speech followed this. Has the Taoiseach indicated formally to Mr. Molyneaux that he would like to speak to him?

I do not think it very desirable from my point of view or the present point of view of any particular representative of Unionist tradition and community that we should be discussing the details of the possible contact in this way. It is sufficient for my purpose at any rate at the moment and it is sensible that I have indicated my anxiety to hear views at first hand. Whether I follow that up with any specific indication to an individual or a group, it is better left that way for the moment.