Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I join with the Taoiseach and Deputy Kenny in conveying to Senator Ted Kennedy the good wishes of the Labour Party in his battle to overcome his current illness.

The questions being discussed relate to the former Taoiseach's visit to the United States and his meetings with President Bush and other American leaders. In his meetings with President Bush, did the former Taoiseach raise the issue of the war in Iraq, in particular the concern of Irish people in regard to the continuing slaughter of civilians in Iraq? If so, what is the view of the US Administration on its continuing engagement in Iraq and does it have any plans to withdraw from Iraq?

A report published today by Amnesty International relates to the use of Shannon Airport for the transport of prisoners to centres of torture in third countries. On previous occasions, taoisigh and Ministers for Foreign Affairs sought and obtained diplomatic assurances from United States leaders that Shannon Airport was not being used in this way. Did the former Taoiseach raise this issue with President Bush and if so, did he obtain from him an assurance in regard to the use of Shannon Airport?

I appreciate President Bush's remaining time in office is relatively short. Does the Taoiseach propose to meet or communicate with President Bush or the remaining candidates in the presidential election, again acknowledging that people engaged in an election campaign have their own priorities? Will the Taoiseach take any new initiative in respect of the undocumented Irish given the need to pursue the motion passed by the House in this regard?

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