Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As the Taoiseach said, President Clinton has been a friend to Ireland over many years, not least in respect of the Irish peace process. The Taoiseach said he briefed the President on what was, at that time, the early stages of the Richard Haass negotiations. Can I ask the Taoiseach, if I am allowed to, where the Government stands regarding the outcome of those negotiations? As he knows, there is a marked reluctance - in some cases, a downright refusal - on the part of Unionism, by which I mean the political leadership of Unionism, to embrace the opportunity that Haass represents.

There is a marked reluctance, in some cases a downright refusal on the part of Unionism, by that I mean the political leadership of Unionism, to embrace the opportunity that the Haass process represents. I think it very unfortunate, if one is to judge by some media commentary, that the American system has taken umbrage at the perhaps discourteous or even dismissive attitude of some towards Richard Haass and the outcomes of the process. That is deeply unfortunate. It certainly is not the disposition of my party. We see within those proposals real potential to deal with issues that are very difficult for parties on all sides. Will the Taoiseach comment on the Haass process and where he considers it stands now?

Did the Taoiseach have any discussion with President Clinton on immigration reform and the issues faced by so many Irish people living in the United States who work there and have made their homes, lives and families there? Immigration is an issue of some controversy in the United States. It is a complex issue but it is one in which we have an enormous stake and it is one which we would wish to see resolved.

The Taoiseach is correct to commend the work not least in respect of HIV-AIDS that is carried out. Like everyone else I am very proud of the fact that this country has such a strong track record on those matters. Those partnerships should continue.

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