Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no question that the Deputy's comments are about issues that are very important. I do not have any control over the schedule of the American President. I assume the President's schedule is among matters that are sorted out by the G8. When I spoke to him I told him that I hope he can come to Ireland again. As I said, I have no idea of his schedule but on the question of the Bahraini persecutions and the issue of Gaza, we have a seat at the United Nations. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs has a particular interest in this and in so far as his remit is concerned, not just as the Tánaiste but in foreign affairs holding the chairmanship of the council of the European Ministers, I will ask him to take into account the two points the Deputy raised. I do not think it is for me to invite people here and while they are sensitive issues there are legitimate forums in which they can be raised with validity.

See this speech in context