asked the Minister for Defence the number of overseas trips he has undertaken this year; the destinations involved; the reason for the trips; who accompanied him; if he travelled on the Government executive jet; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Limerick West): The reply is in the form of a tabular statement which I propose to circulate in the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

Visits Abroad by Minister for Defence in 1988

The Ministerial transport jet was used for visits 4 and 5.

Obviously, I cannot comment on an answer I have not seen.

That is true. That would seem to dispose of questions nominated for priority for today. The next business would seem to be a statement by the Taoiseach at 3.45 p.m.

May I ask——

Excuse me, Deputy Bell, I am making a statement. The next business would seem to be a statement by the Taoiseach at 3.45 p.m. I am suggesting therefore, that we recess.