In the Taoiseach's initial response to Questions Nos. 1 to 5, he mentioned that he had a meeting with the heads of the Irish semi-State bodies in New York. According to my information, an instruction issued from the Taoiseach's office ordering the heads of those bodies to be at the airport for his arrival in the United States. Did that meeting take place and, if so, what was its purpose given that he would be meeting them the following day?

I am not aware of anything of the kind referred to by the Deputy. My only objective was to have a meeting with the executives to discuss their general activities, objectives and problems. I wanted to give any help I could and I am not aware of any other directive which may have been issued.

Were they at the airport on the Taoiseach's arrival?

Not as far as I can remember. Some of them may have been there as a matter of courtesy but I did not attribute any particular importance to it.