asked the Taoiseach if, at the recent Heads of Government meeting at Rhodes, any discussion took place on the harmonisation of taxes after 1992; and if he outlined the measures to be taken by the Government to make this a reality.

I refer the Deputy to the statement I made in this House on 7 December on the outcome of the Rhodes Council and to the Presidency's conclusions which have been laid before the House.

I am sure the Taoiseach appreciates that there is some confusion as to precisely what Ireland's attitude is towards the harmonisation of taxes by 1992. It will be very helpful for those who may be affected by any decision the Government may make if they were to know as early as possible whether the Government, as I believe they should, will pursue the harmonisation of taxes as vigorously as possible or are we going to seek a derogation? Would the Taoiseach agree that those questions should be answered for the general public as quickly as possible?

I can assure the Deputy that there is no question of a derogation. As the Deputy is aware, discussions are at a very early stage——

I am aware of that.

——and very little was done about this matter at the Rhodes Council. It is a bit early for us to take specific decisions.

There is some urgency attaching to this matter as decisions have to be made.