Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 10, inclusive, together.

I was deeply honoured to be invited to address the US Joint Houses of Congress this year. While the arrangements have not yet been finalised, I expect that it will be sometime around the end of April or early May.

I met with former President Clinton on Saturday, 17 November in Government Buildings. We discussed developments in Northern Ireland and progress made under the Ireland-Clinton Foundation HIV-Aids Partnership.

I spoke with Senator Kennedy on 7 December when we discussed the issue of immigration in the United States and the undocumented Irish in particular. I emphasised to the Senator that the resolution of this issue has been, and will continue to be, a priority for the Government and I referred to the strong all-party support in this House on the issue.

I will be meeting with the US President during my annual visit to the United States for St. Patrick's Day on 17 March. While the programme for this trip is not finalised, I intend to take the opportunity while there to meet again with the Ireland America Economic Advisory Board.

My Department maintains contact with the board principally through the Irish Embassy in Washington, as well as through annual visits and meetings. As the House will be aware, the board members give voluntarily of their time and expertise in a number of ways. I welcome and greatly appreciate their ongoing advice and support.

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