Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The review group on social welfare is looking at the issue of the self-employed. This matter has been raised for quite some time. The situation might have been beneficial when times were good for the self-employed, but obviously when things get bad, it is not so easy.

The Tánaiste is in Washington today talking to people associated with the illegal emigrant issue and a number of other issues. He is also due to meet the UN Security Council. I have read the reports from the Middle East about the abomination that is taking place in Syria, where people are being abused, murdered and raped. All of the evidence from the city of Homs speaks for itself. This is something that has been decried by Europe, where a number of countries have withdrawn their ambassadors from Syria. It is an issue of strategic focus by the US Secretary of State. It is an issue of grave concern internationally. I hope the pressure being brought to bear will lead to a resolution to this conflict as soon as possible. These people are being murdered in their own country and what is going on is an abomination on mankind.

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