Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I wish to reiterate some of the issues raised during Question Time. With regard to the Olympic Games in China, I am sure the Minister is coming under pressure from some sources and I hope he will hold the line as he has done. We should issue an invitation to the Dalai Lama to visit Ireland. When he visits London in May, I understand he will meet the British Prime Minister. Is a visit here an option?

Have we taken measures unilaterally or through the European Union with respect to the situation in Zimbabwe? If the Minister has not done so, will he instruct his ambassador and his channels in the EU to express grave concern at what is happening in Zimbabwe?

Has the Minister information on the situation in Burma? When these issues boil up, they get publicity but the difficulty can often continue when we are unaware of it.

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