Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 5, inclusive, together.

On 21 June I met a delegation of senior political representatives from the main political groupings in Iraq. The delegation was visiting Ireland, both North and South, to discuss and learn from the Irish peace process. On behalf of the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Nuri al-Maliki, the delegation conveyed good wishes to Ireland and the Irish people.

I reassured the delegation of the continued support of Ireland and the EU to help the new national unity government in Iraq to achieve unity, peace and prosperity for the people of Iraq. In the course of our discussions, I raised the matter of the murder of Margaret Hassan and I asked for assistance in this issue.

I will attend the ASEM VI summit in Helsinki on 11 September. I will also travel to Berlin on 9 October for a meeting with Chancellor Merkel. On 20 October, I will travel to Finland for an informal meeting of heads of state or Government. I will also meet the President of the European Commission and the college of commissioners on 8 November in Brussels. I will attend the European Council on 14 and 15 December.

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