Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 15, inclusive, together.

On 22 December I visited Pristina in Kosovo along with the Minister for Defence, Deputy Willie O'Dea. We had a cordial meeting with the President and Prime Minister during which I congratulated them on their efforts to implement the Ahtisaari proposals, including the adoption of the constitution in June 2008.

While in Kosovo, I addressed Defence Forces personnel stationed in Camp Clarke who are currently serving with KFOR. I congratulated them on the hugely significant role they have played in restoring peace and confidence in Kosovo since 1999.

I visited Japan between 12 and 17 January at the official invitation of the Japanese Government. The visit follows more than 50 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan. Japan is the country in the region with which we share the closest political and economic values and is a priority country under Ireland's Asia strategy. It is the second largest economy in the world and, as such, is a hugely significant global player thoroughly deserving of our full attention.

I was accompanied on the visit by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Brendan Smith, and by the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy John McGuinness. I was also accompanied by a significant Irish trade mission with more than 70 companies participating, including businesses from Northern Ireland.

The aim of the mission was to raise awareness of the potential of Japan among Irish companies and increase the knowledge of Irish companies among Japanese businesses. We also aimed to explore the potential for Irish and Japanese businesses to collaborate, particularly in the area of research and development. While in Japan, I participated in a number of trade and promotional events organised by the various state agencies and a number of important trade and investment-related deals with Japanese partners were announced.

I delivered a keynote speech on research and development policy and opportunities in Ireland at a joint IDA Ireland-Science Foundation Ireland event. I also addressed an audience at one of Japan's oldest and most prestigious institutes of learning, Keio University in Tokyo, on the theme of Ireland, Europe and Japan.

I met with Prime Minister Taro Aso and we exchanged views on a range of bilateral and global issues, including the international economic and financial situation, climate change and conflict resolution. These discussions proved to be extremely useful and, during the course of our very cordial meeting, I extended an invitation to Prime Minister Aso to make a reciprocal visit to Ireland. I was also received in audience by the Emperor, His Imperial Majesty Akihito, a significant and rare honour for Ireland.

I made a brief visit to the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos at the end of January. Coming ahead of the G20 summit in April, discussions focused on the need for greater global co-operation, governance and regulation of business and finance, following the crisis in the banking sector and the onset of recession in many countries. I participated in key working sessions for Heads of State and Government on the global economy. More than 40 Heads of State and Government attended the forum. While in Davos, I also addressed a function organised by IDA Ireland, attended by senior executives of major international companies, to reinforce the message that Ireland remains a very attractive location for foreign direct investment, international business opportunities and research and development. I also took the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Reinfeldt of Sweden in the margins of the World Economic Forum meeting. We discussed the follow-up to the December European Council conclusions and preparations for the forthcoming Swedish Presidency of the EU.

On my travel plans for the remainder of this year, it is my intention to visit New York and Washington around St. Patrick's Day, and to attend the New York Gala of the Ireland Funds on 7 May and attend the European Council meetings scheduled for 2009, including the extraordinary Council on the economy which has now been fixed for Sunday, 1 March.

With regard to future meetings with EU leaders and the President of the European Commission, Mr. Jóse Manuel Barroso, I have no specific meetings planned at present. I recently received the draft agenda for the spring European Council which is due to focus on the economic and financial situation as well as on energy and climate change.

As regards the National Forum on Europe, I expect that it will hold a number of meetings during this year, continuing its good work in promoting public debate on the European Union, its future and Ireland's place in it. It is an independent body and as I have no function in its day to day operations, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on its planned work programme for this year.

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