Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

To reflect a little more positively on the Irish Government delegation's visit to Japan, I welcome very much that one of its products was the removal of the ban on Irish pork accessing the Japanese market as a result of the negotiations that took place. I understand negotiations also took place on reopening the Japanese market for the importation of Irish beef. This negotiation has not concluded. Will the Taoiseach indicate where this is at? What prospects does he hold for a successful conclusion to the negotiations to see Irish beef once again access the Japanese market?

Bearing in mind that we are hearing a lot about the forum in Davos, was the Irish Government represented at the World Social Forum in Brazil? The forum was attended by 135 countries and had 150,000 participants. Its central focus was the urgent need for major reform of the United Nations. Were we represented and, if so, by whom?

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