The foreign policy section of the programme for Government is grandly titled "Ireland and the world" and contains the following phrase: "we must articulate ourselves on the world stage, contribute to peace-building initiatives across the globe..." Did this statement trigger the recent proposed expedition to North Korea? Will the Taoiseach provide the House with an updated position on this expedition because the world is waiting?

The Ministers are getting their jabs as we speak.

There will be no Government mission to North Korea. Having said that, Members of the House are free to travel anywhere they like in their own capacity and at their own expense.