Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I remind members that the Senator has, by his own admission, strayed into matters that are really not on the agenda in terms of defence rather than foreign affairs, which is the purpose of our meeting. Notwithstanding that the Tánaiste holds both Ministries I will allow him to exercise discretion as to the breadth of replies he might offer. This is in the knowledge that the Senator himself has admitted that he has strayed beyond the agenda.

At this stage, and having regard to the numbers of questions that have been posed to the Tánaiste , it might be best in the interest of good order to revert to the Tánaiste now and then come back for a second round with Senators Ardagh and Joe O'Reilly, and others who might offer.