Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Minister of State has undertaken a visit to Vietnam to discuss this matter with ministry officials over there, as well as with the relevant Minster. There was nothing prearranged about this visit and it is as a result of his intention to do everything that he can to expedite this matter. Meeting these officials face to face is an indication of the sincerity of his intentions. However, there are no guarantees of an outcome because we are dealing with a sovereign government and we are doing our best to find a mutually suitable arrangement.

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