Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The trip to Syria was primarily a political trip to the Middle East region and to ascertain the Syrian perspective on the Middle East political situation. That said, we raised some economic issues and there are some Irish companies endeavouring to secure business in Syria, and Syria is anxious to develop strong economic bilateral relations with Ireland. To that end, the Deputy Prime Minister indicated that he wished to lead an economic mission to Ireland in the latter half of 2009 and I invited him to do so. We can increase the level of economic activity between our two countries and we should do so.

On the honorary consul issue, that person, as I indicated some months ago, has resigned from the position and we are close to appointing a successor.

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