Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

On the Taoiseach's trip to India, I want to follow up what I asked yesterday. The Brussels summit in the summer had a statement about climate change. It referred to the Gleneagles plan of action with its emphasis on technology transfer. It also referred to taking up the dialogue of technological co-operation with the likes of India, China, Russia and others. Did the Taoiseach take the opportunity in India to follow this up with regard to technological transfers that would help deal with the impact of climate change? Given that India is such a large democracy, as the Taoiseach has mentioned, did this matter arise in meetings with either President Kalam or Prime Minister Singh? I will not ask about the non-proliferation treaty because this has already been the subject of a question.

Did the Taoiseach detect any level of co-operation or more practical help for the earthquake victims in Pakistan, given that India is a neighbouring country, and did he have an opportunity to relate the sense of sympathy and the urge to help on the part of Irish people? This Friday and Saturday in Balbriggan there will be another collection of sleeping bags, blankets and so forth to help the victims of the earthquake. Did this or any other humanitarian issues arise, given the huge level of poverty in that country?

See this speech in context