Would the Taoiseach outline the provisions of the Esquipulas plan in so far as they affect the relative rights of the Government and the insurgents in Nicaragua and El Salvador?

As I have said in my reply, the position has been consistently maintained. The problems in these areas are matters for the countries themselves. That is the basis of the Esquipulas plan.

Does the Taoiseach recognise that there is a situation of insurgency or a war of national liberation — call it what you will — in both of these countries and that it is a question of determining the relative rights of the sitting Government and the insurgents in each case? Would he outline his view of the implications of the Esquipulas plan in so far as providing a legal structure for the resolution of these clear differences regarding sovereignty as between the forces there?

I can only repeat that the wisest thing for us to do is to continue to exercise whatever influence we have through the Community and in the United Nations.

Perhaps the Taoiseach might read the Esquipulas plan.

Order.

As I have said, every Deputy in the House knows it is a very complex, complicated and indeed agonising situation. I think the wisest course for us is to proceed along the lines of the general principle, that the best results can be obtained through action by the countries themselves, supported by the international community.