It is clear from the Taoiseach's previous reply that he has had contact with the Bush Administration in the United States regarding the Iraqi crisis. Will the Taoiseach outline who he has contacted, who has been in contact with him and what discussions have taken place?

Does the Taoiseach agree with the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. David Andrews, Mr. Sean Donlon, the former Irish ambassador to Washington and spokespersons for the IDA, who said they do not believe there will be any negative economic consequences for Ireland if the Government takes a strong stance in opposing a pre-emptive strike on Iraq or unilateral action? Will the Taoiseach outline his position on Resolution 1441 given that other members of the United Nations are voluntarily – presumably without pressure from their opposition parties – outlining what they see as the extent and limitations of the resolution? The people took to the streets in their thousands on Saturday and given that other countries have no problem in outlining their positions, will the Taoiseach outline the Irish position?

As I previously reported to the House, I discussed this matter with Ambassador Haass a number of weeks ago. This is the only discussion I have had but we did not discuss what might happen if there was unilateral action by the United States or if Resolution 1441 was not moved on. The ambassador was aware of the Irish view from a previous meeting. Ireland believes there should be a resolution and does not believe war is inevitable. We believe in the European position outlined earlier in the week and the statement of Kofi Annan, speaking on behalf of the Security Council. We will continue to do all we can to assist in this matter.

We have said at every opportunity that we must preserve the Security Council as the body with primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Ireland has always been, and will continue to be, a committed supporter of the system of collective security of the UN with the Security Council at its centre. On Monday the EU's leaders pledged their support for the Security Council in the discharge of its responsibilities. It is now up to Iraq to discharge its responsibilities.

Does the Taoiseach agree with what David Andrews said?

I do not know what David Andrews said.

Where was the communications unit?

I am telling the Deputy the Government's position. I am not going to answer for everybody's view on this.

Deputy Sargent, quoting one member of the public, asked about economic matters. Economic matters are not the issue.

How will they be affected?

It is not the issue. However, there are 591 American companies in this country and total American investment in Ireland stands at over €40 billion. American industry in Ireland is bigger than either agriculture or tourism. These are facts and considerations. They are not the key issues and do not influence the Government but neither should they be ignored. I am not a hypocrite and when I go to the United States to meet the economic advisory council, support the IDA or seek changes in American tax law, I am looking to a friendly country. My interest is not in finding excuses to criticise the United States. I support the primacy of the Security Council and will remain balanced, unlike the Deputy.

The Taoiseach still has to tell us if he agrees with Sean Donlon and David Andrews and spokespersons for the IDA that there would not be negative economic consequences. I agree with the Taoiseach that investment is important but it is not the only issue in the serious humanitarian crisis that is unfolding. Austria has similarly friendly relations with the United States but it has said that as a neutral country, it cannot allow over-flights or troop trains to go through its territory. Will the Taoiseach tell us if he will go this far?

Will the Taoiseach provide the House with information on the cost to the taxpayer of the huge increase of flights going over this country? Judging by air traffic control statistics from last Saturday, the largest aeroplanes in the world passed overhead every 20 or 30 minutes carrying tanks and military equipment to the Middle East.

Ireland has never charged for over-flights and I have no idea what the cost is. The Deputy can table a parliamentary question to ascertain those costs but he will have difficulty getting this information. Nevertheless, it is a matter for the relevant Department.

I do not know what David Andrews or Sean Donlon said.

The communications unit is not doing its work.

This is not the issue. The Government is sticking to the position Ireland has traditionally held. Our position is trying to avoid conflict but maximising the pressure on Saddam Hussein. Some 18 resolutions have been passed in the past 12 years to ensure that he co-operates with the inspectors and complies with what the world's governments have asked him to do.

Chancellor Schüssel made a strong speech on the issue of Saddam Hussein co-operating with the inspectors and the United Nations. It is wrong to quote him out of context.

They are not allowing overflights. The Taoiseach is misquoting me.

The Chancellor opposes the Administration in Iraq and made a strong speech on that issue the other night.