asked the Taoiseach whether he will propose the establishment of an Oireachtas committee on foreign affairs and development co-operation.

5.

asked the Taoiseach when he will set up a joint Oireachtas foreign affairs committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

A Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.

The Government are at present undertaking an examination of the Oireachtas committee system in line with their commitment in the programme for government 1989-1993. I hope to take a very early opportunity of talking to party leaders about committee structure.

Would the Taoiseach accept there was a marked reluctance on his part to consider the establishment of an Oireachtas committee on foreign affairs? Has his attitude in that regard now changed and is he open to such a proposal?

The Deputy can take it I am ready and I hope very soon to undertake discussions with the party leaders about committee structure generally.

Obviously in the past there has never been an Oireachtas committee on foreign affairs. My question was in relation to having a joint Oireachtas committee because it is imperative that both Houses of the Oireachtas be involved in foreign affairs and have the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs on this very important item. The Taoiseach should be aware that the Seanad has already passed a resolution requesting the Government to set up such a committee. Different views have been expressed by Fine Gael people and the Taoiseach's own party in and out of Government in the other House on this very subject. It is imperative that we know the Taoiseach's views about when the Government will agree to set this up either in consultation with the party leaders as he has suggested or in association with the Whips of this House or whatever procedure. It is imperative that we know this as soon as possible and that it represents the views of both Houses on this important subject.

It seems to me the Deputy is attempting to pre-empt my discussions with the party leaders.

I would not attempt to do that.

Question No. 6.

Will the Taoiseach agree to include in his review a review of the staffing arrangements for committees to ensure that adequate staff are made available to the committees and the key personnel on the committees so that the role of the committees can be enhanced? There has been a feeling in the past, not just the recent past but for some considerable time, that the committees are not adequately staffed.

The Deputy is bringing in extraneous matter.

Will the Taoiseach agree to include that in the review?

Not necessarily. It can be looked at from time to time, but the Deputy will appreciate that our financial situation imposes on us all a requirement to be very careful and very economical in staff matters.

Is the Taoiseach personally in favour of a joint Oireachtas committee on foreign affairs?

The Deputy is asking me to pre-empt the discussions and any possible outcome of discussions.

Is the Taoiseach personally in favour of a joint Oireachtas committee on foreign affairs?

I am in favour of having a look at the structure of committees generally.