asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he was consulted by the French Government, throught the European Political Co-Operation process, about the circumstances and conditions leading to the release of three French hostages held in Beirut recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There have been no consultations between the French and Irish Governments in the European Political Co-operation framework about the circumstances and conditions relating to the recent release of three French hostages held in Lebanon.

Through the release of the three French hostages, may there be an avenue to getting additional information about the wellbeing and whereabouts of Brian Keenan? Would the Government consider this matter?

Yes, the Deputy can be assured that every possible avenue of approach and every possible way of securing information will be availed of.

Would the Taoiseach agree that this is a matter of some concern that there have been reports of very large sums of money or deals involving relationships between France and Iran having been done in the context of the release of the French hostages? Would the Taoiseach support the view that ransoms should not be paid by any state in respect of nationals held hostage by different groups in the Lebanon?

In international affairs, all that we can do it try to behave in a civilised, sensible fashion as good citizens of the world community of nations and try to uphold rights on any occasion when we have an opportunity to do so. However, we cannot accept any sort of moral responsibility for what others may do. I am not saying whether or not anybody has paid ransom. It is a very complex situation and different countries have different priorities. All we can do is our best for our own citizens.

Deputy Quinn.

Would the Taosieach not agree——

Deputy Quinn has been called.

In view of the possible implications for all European citizens or the reports to which Deputy Shatter has referred in relation to the risk that they may now be put at as a result of the possibility that ransom was paid, is it the intention of the Irish Government to raise this matter in the context of EPC and to ensure that the maximum degree of co-operation which is built into that process will be obtained, so as to minimise the risk any European citizen might be under in visiting such places?

I agree generally with the sentiments expressed by the Deputy but I would make it clear that I have no indication as to whether or not a ransom was paid.

I appreciate that, but would the Taoiseach indicate to this House if he will have the matter raised in the context of EPC, having regard to the concern expressed in this House and because it affects all European citizens and not just members of a particular State?

Matters of that sort are more or less ongoing within that framework and no particular initiative is called for from us at this stage, especially as we have no confirmation that a ransom has been paid in any of these recent cases.