Will the Taoiseach explain what happened to the message (from the IRA last Friday) in the 24 hours, and why it took so long for it to be communicated to the Secretary of State? - The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton

That is a question for the House of Commons. - The Minister for Defence, Mr Smith

The letter was given to my officials at 4.30 a.m. in Belfast. It was communicated to me some hours later - about 10 o'clock - and I communicated it to the British Prime Minister, which was the only thing I could do. I am not aware of, or answerable for, what happened with the British system thereafter. - The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern