Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

On foot of the summit on AIDS, what kind of perspective was put forward with regard to, for example, the 26 million people in Africa who live with HIV-AIDS, of whom only 1% receive anti-AIDS drugs? Internationally, what kind of perspective was outlined in respect of the 40 million or so people with AIDS, of whom perhaps 5% receive anti-retroviral drugs treatment? Was a perspective offered as to when the resources might be made available in order that each human being who needs it is provided with treatment, which has dramatically prolonged life for those suffering in richer countries?

When the Taoiseach spoke, did he allude to the fact that a fraction of the armaments spending of the major countries could provide this treatment and could create a significant impetus to wipe out AIDS? Did he complain about that?

As for the Taoiseach's meeting with Mr. Mustafa Abubakar, the governor of Aceh, Indonesia, did he discuss the human rights situation in Aceh in the wake of the decades-long insurgency, the demand for self-determination and some shaky agreements which have been made more recently as to what is the position of the Indonesian Government regarding the guarantee of full human and political rights to the people of Aceh?

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