Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 15, inclusive, together.

I travelled to Zagreb on 28 and 29 November to meet the Prime Minister, Mr. Ivo Sanader. We discussed issues on the EU agenda, including Croatia's accession negotiations and the future development of Ireland's economic and cultural relations with Croatia. The Government of Croatia expressed particular interest in learning from Ireland's rapid economic development over the past decade. I extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Ireland in the near future. While in Zagreb, I also paid a courtesy call on the President of Croatia, Mr. Stjepan Mesic. I also had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Macedonia, Mr. Vlado Buckovski, who was visiting Zagreb at the same time.

On 12 December, I met the President of Bulgaria, Mr. Georgi Parvanov, during his state visit to Ireland. Our discussions were useful and friendly and we covered a range of bilateral and economic issues. Of particular focus were EU enlargement and Bulgarian preparations for the country's accession to the EU and I assured the President of Ireland's continuing support for Bulgaria's preparations for EU membership. We also reflected on the 50th anniversary of UN membership for both our countries and our shared commitment to UN peacekeeping.

I made an official visit to India on 16-20 January. This was the first official visit to India by a Taoiseach and the key aim was to enhance bilateral political and economic relations between Ireland and India. I was accompanied by the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, and the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin. We visited three cities during the trip, Bangalore, New Delhi and Mumbai. I attended business events hosted by Enterprise Ireland in each of the cities and made key addresses at the Nehru Memorial Library in Delhi and the University of Mumbai. The focus of the address in Delhi was on political relations while the address in Mumbai concentrated on business, academic and cultural connections between Ireland and India. During the visit I had official meetings with President Kalam and Prime Minister Singh. I laid a wreath at the Gandhi memorial and availed of opportunities to meet the Irish community in India.

As the 11th largest economy in the world India is an attractive prospect for Irish companies seeking new markets for their products and services. India is currently our 37th largest trading partner. According to 2004 figures bilateral trade was worth €262 million. The visit provided useful opportunities to further develop two-way trade. As with my visit to China last year I led a large business delegation, over 80 organisations drawn from a range of sectors including ICT, biotechnology, education, tourism, culture and arts. Significantly representatives from both parts of the island of Ireland participated for the first time in the delegation, emphasising the all-Ireland co-operation on economic and social developments. Whereas this visit was about exploring business potential, Enterprise Ireland has estimated that the deals signed during the week will be worth €35 million in new business over three years. In addition 24 separate contracts and agreements were signed across a number of sectors including education, computer software and engineering. This visit also afforded opportunities to conclude a number of key political and business agreements, including bilateral agreements in the areas of science, technology and cultural co-operation.

In 2006, I will travel to the United States of America next month for St. Patrick's Day. I will also attend the European Council meetings in Brussels on 23 and 24 March and 15 and 16 June in my role as Head of Government. I will also attend the EU-Latin American Caribbean summit on 12 and 13 May in Vienna.

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