Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I refer to the grouping together of questions Nos. 7 to 21. There is no relationship between the work of the National Forum on Europe and its scheduled meetings on the Lisbon treaty, the EU reform treaty or whatever name one wishes to call it, and the Taoiseach's meeting with President Mbeki in South Africa. I do not understand this grouping, which is an absolute mishmash of questions and is completely inappropriate. In the brief opportunity provided, Members cannot address any of these matters in the serious detail they deserve.

I will conclude with a single question. Unfortunately, I will be obliged to leave to one side the scheduling of the National Forum on Europe. When the Taoiseach met President Mbeki in South Africa, was the issue of Zimbabwe discussed in detail? Did the Taoiseach emphasise the importance of addressing the outrageous situation that applies in that country? Did the Taoiseach convey to President Mbeki the views of the Irish people, which I understand are shared across this House? Did they discuss what actions, if any, the Taoiseach believed the South African or Irish Governments could take or what impression both men intended to make on the international community to address the situation in Zimbabwe?

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