Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Yes, I discussed those issues with Prime Minister Singh. He informed me of the sequence of events in India and how India offered to help. India broke through its traditional difficulties with Pakistan to help in every way it could. It took a few days to get it off the ground but there is huge co-operation.

I am aware from speaking with Pakistani representatives at the embassy here and from my attendance, with many other Members, at the occasion on Sunday that our help is deeply appreciated by the Pakistanis. The president has written to me to convey their gratitude for all the co-operation from Ireland in dealing with the horrendous difficulties. The level of assistance from a small country such as this has been acknowledged and noted.

Both Development Co-operation Ireland and private donors have been assisting religious groups and non-governmental organisations in many projects. Many Irish lay people, particularly young people, go to Calcutta for the summer and work in many of the townships. That is acknowledged by the Indians. The Indian Government is conscious that as a small country we send a proportionally high number of people. Transition year students and others go there to help out in small ways. The efforts of the Irish are acknowledged.

With regard to technology transfers, our discussions were general. Many of the companies that accompanied us produce technology and software products and they were anxious to co-operate. A number of the agreements signed will lead to further co-operation in this area, particularly with our universities. Trinity College and other colleges have signed agreements to provide for co-operation in academic research. There are many opportunities, including business ones, in this area from the point of view of assisting them with our technology and experience. In particular, we will have an opportunity to interact with Bangalore where an enormous amount of research is carried out. That will be useful for the future.

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