asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is, either directly or through any international organisation, participating in efforts to ensure international supervision of the fairness of the general election in Panama on 7 May 1989.

It is not the intention of the Government to be involved in the supervision of the general election in Panama, either directly or through any international organisation. We are aware, however, that the European Parliament is sending a delegation of observers to Panama. The Government hope, of course, that the election campaign and the election itself will be genuinely free and fair and that the results will truly reflect the wishes of the Panamanian people.

May I ask the Taoiseach if the Twelve, to which reference has been made already this afternoon, have taken a position in relation to the Panamanian elections and if they are in a position to state that they believe that the conditions for free elections exist at present?

There is some scepticism about that.