Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

As regards my Question No. 11 on the Vienna Summit, did the Taoiseach have an opportunity to have a proper meeting with President Chávez? The Taoiseach said earlier he was asking for Deputy Joe Higgins. Will the Taoiseach consider inviting President Chávez to Ireland to develop trade and diplomatic relations? Did the Taoiseach raise with President Chávez the issue of natural resources, how Venezuela uses its natural resources to assist the poorer sections of society, and whether there are lessons we in Ireland can learn from that?

The Taoiseach referred to challenges with regard to education and health. Did anyone at the summit come up with new and constructive ideas to tackle poverty and educational disadvantage? Did these issues arise?

Did the issue of the elections in Colombia arise at the summit? The Taoiseach will note thatColombia has a population of 41 million.

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