There are two aspects I should like to ask the Tánaiste about. First of all, I am concerned at his first response which is merely a reiteration of what the Taoiseach said 12 months ago, that they are willing to enter talks with the Unionists. If the Unionists maintain their present stance, which seems to indicate that there will be no progress, what action will the Government propose? Given that there has not been a Summit meeting for nearly three years between both Prime Ministers, what do the Government consider to be appropriate circumstances in which to have one?

I am glad the Deputy used the word "consider". We are considering all possible options, taking action where it is required, not taking action where it might cause difficulties and seeking to arrive at a situation where, by mutual agreement, the Unionist parties, their representatives and their leaders will enter into dialogue, and I emphasise that that dialogue need not interfere with or prejudice in any way the workings of the Anglo-Irish Conference. That is precisely where we stand. All avenues are being pursued. We in this House should not need to be told here or anywhere else that our duty is to pursue such avenues. I would expect an alternative Government equally to pursue all the options towards achieving the objective of political dialogue in this way. It would not be in our national interest to abandon our present position under the Anglo-Irish Agreement and the workings of the Anglo-Irish Conference and the secretariat. In any dialogue being entered into the two aspects can proceed in parallel. One does not in any way affect the other and we are seeking to achieve just that objective.

The Tánaiste's aspirations are laudable but given the difficulties in Northern Ireland and the serious nature of the breakdown there, can the Tánaiste not give us one iota of an idea as to what the Government will do if the Unionist leadership maintains its present position?

For obvious reasons I cannot reply to that.

I am calling the next question.