Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Invitations to the White House are handled solely by the White House. Certainly, no tracks were beaten to its door. However, in so far as discussions took place, I gave my view to the President's representative, Mitchell Reiss, when he visited earlier, namely, that it would be best if all parties were invited. A path was not beaten to the White House door. It was best that all parties were invited. While the DUP did not turn up, it was invited.

On the issues discussed with President Bush, obviously, the President and I were not alone. He was accompanied by several members of his Administration and I was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, the Ambassador, and other officials. International terrorism was discussed and the President, as is normal on the occasion of St. Patrick's Day, referred to the current issues. Obviously, he spoke about Iraq, Iran and India. He spoke at some length on Darfur — the Minister for Foreign Affairs will travel there shortly — and he is anxious to make progress. We spoke about United Nations reform and human rights issues, as well as issues I raised concerning extraordinary rendition and CIA flights. While we went through a range of issues, we did not discuss the Colombia Three, nor was the case raised.

Efforts were made for the Colombia Three. I made efforts on a consular basis in that they were Irish people who should receive proper facilities and protection during their trial. We dealt with the issue on that basis. I do not have details of the exact circumstances as to what they were doing in Colombia. I never believed they were on holidays. However, I do not have hard facts in that respect. As the Deputy is aware, the Americans hold strong views on that issue, as do the Colombians. They believe there was a link between FARC and the Provisional IRA representatives.

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