Given that what the Tánaiste has described as this crucial period in our history one month away from the review of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, I would like to ask him if he has put any proposals to the Unionists for talks parallel to the Anglo-Irish Agreement and if he would consider that the forum of the Anglo-Irish Inter-governmental Council might be a suitable vehicle for such talks?

A number of options are being considered on how we can bring this together. As Deputy Kennedy has suggested, it comes at an opportune moment in that we must carry out this review of the working of the conference. I want to emphasise that the Unionist leaders and representatives in Northern Ireland are well aware of the position. Events are moving, although very slowly, in a reasonable direction. All we can do is hope that they work out. We are preparing detailed papers in connection with the review, as are the British. Apart from the review there is the process of dialogue which we want to see initiated between the Unionists and everybody else here in Ireland who is concerned about its future peaceful development. That is the situation. It is a case of constructive movement in which no definite positive conclusions have emerged. Constructive input into this process from anybody in this House or outside it will be welcomed by me, the Taoiseach and the Government.

Have the Government put any specific proposals to the Unionists for dialogue parallel to the Anglo-Irish Agreement? Would the Tánaiste consider that the vehicle of the Anglo-Irish Inter-Governmental Council would be suitable for talks with the Unionists?

It would not be helpful for me to decide on what may or may not be the attitude of Unionist leaders in a very complex situation.

I am trying to elicit from the Tánaiste what the attitude of the Irish Government is. I am asking him if at this stage, one month away from the review of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, he has put any proposals in any form to the Unionists for talks with them? Is the answer yes or no?

If I thought that I would elicit a generous response——

The Tánaiste is supposed to be responding.

I cannot tell this House everything that is going on. That should be patently obvious without my having to spell it out here.

The Tánaiste should tell us something.