Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 5: To ask the Taoiseach his plans for official trips abroad between 7 May and the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14616/08]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 6: To ask the Taoiseach if he will attend the fifth summit of the Heads of State and Government of Latin America and the Caribbean and the European Union in Peru on 16 May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14617/08]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 7: To ask the Taoiseach if he will attend the EU-Asia summit which will be held in Beijing in October 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14618/08]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 8: To ask the Taoiseach the foreign trips he will undertake during the remainder of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17131/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 9: To ask the Taoiseach the official trips abroad he plans for the remainder of 2008. [20812/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 to 9, inclusive, together.

On 8 May, I travelled to Belfast to attend the Northern Ireland investment conference. I also had meetings with the British Prime Minister, Mr. Brown, the First Minister, Dr. Paisley, and the Deputy First Minister, Mr. McGuinness. On 24 May, I travelled to Cardiff to meet the First Minister of Wales, Mr. Rhodri Morgan, and I also attended the European rugby cup final between Munster and Toulouse on the same day.

With regard to my travel plans for the remainder of 2008, while the programme has not yet been finalised, I intend to travel to the European Councils in June, October and December in my role as Head of Government. I have received a letter of invitation to the Europe-Mediterranean summit in Paris on 13 July. I have not yet had an opportunity to consider the matter but hope it will be possible for me to attend. I also expect to travel to the seventh Asia-Europe summit — the ASEM summit — which takes place in Beijing at the end of October.

The fifth summit of Heads of State and Government of Latin America and the Caribbean and the European Union took place in Lima, Peru on 16 and 17 May. The Irish Government was represented by the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for overseas development, Deputy Peter Power.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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What matters were discussed at the meetings which the Taoiseach had with the Prime Minister, Mr. Brown, in Belfast on 8 May and with the First Minister of Wales, Mr. Rhodri Morgan, on 24 May? Has he received any invitation or has he plans to travel to the opening of the Olympic Games? Has any invitation been extended to the Government to attend the opening and what is the attitude of the Government towards such an invitation? Is it intended that the Government will be represented at the opening of the Olympic Games?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I met the Prime Minister, Mr. Gordon Brown, at the airport in the first instance when I arrived and we had a bilateral discussion on our own for about half an hour. I had known Mr. Brown when he was Chancellor and we discussed many issues and had a general political discussion. We joined officials thereafter and discussed issues of bilateral interest between Britain and Ireland, the Northern peace process obviously being an important element of that but not the only one. We discussed how we might be able to review the relations that exist between Britain and Ireland to ascertain what way we can advance them during our respective tenures in office, being relatively recent incumbents.

I also joined the Prime Minister at the investment conference and spoke with him there. We were joined by others and met investors and potential investors who attended the conference at Stormont. I also attended a meeting with Sinn Féin before the dinner took place, attended the dinner and met various functionaries and others.

In regard to my trip to Cardiff, I previously met the First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, in Ireland while I was serving in my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs. We discussed relations between Wales and Ireland and attended the match afterwards. Obviously, the British-Irish Council is the context in which discussions can be advanced between us and with others in terms of the east-west connection under the Good Friday Agreement.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I do not think the Taoiseach responded to my question on the Olympic Games.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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We have worked hard to develop a good working relationship with China, a country of great importance and complexity. Where issues arise, they are dealt with through dialogue and engagement. EU Ministers have not supported the calls for a boycott of either the Olympic Games or the opening ceremony. Instead, the importance of continuing to deal directly and frankly with the Chinese Government on these issues is stressed on a regular basis.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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When the Taoiseach and the Prime Minister, Mr. Brown, met on their own, did they discuss tactics or did the Prime Minister advise the Taoiseach to be careful about certain things because they could go south very quickly?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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He would not be as obsessed by his opposite number as Deputy Kenny.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am not privy to these discussions and I do not know what advice was given. Perhaps they should continue to meet on a regular basis because it could be of advantage to those of us who sit over here.

What is the Taoiseach's view of the economic conference in the North? The European People's Party, with which Fine Gael is aligned, believes tax competition is the way forward, yet a number of business people would argue that it is difficult to attract foreign direct investment to Northern Ireland while its corporation tax rate is much higher than ours. Did the Taoiseach discuss that matter with the Prime Minister and does the latter continue to hold an entrenched view? He was previously completely opposed to giving special tax designation to Northern Ireland on the basis that the island could develop as an economic entity.

Deputy Crawford has on a number of occasions raised a matter of considerable interest to him. Apparently, Irish taxpayers are to fund a motorway in the Six Counties which will narrow to a single carriageway once it enters the Republic. Did the Taoiseach take an interest in that and what will be the outcome of the matter as he sees it?

As we have said on many occasions in respect of the decision which will be made on the Lisbon treaty on 12 June, the issues raised have covered a broad spectrum of truth and untruth. I ask the Taoiseach to reaffirm a fact that I know myself, namely, that the treaty is not self-amending.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am not sure that the Deputy's inquiry is captured in the scope of his original question.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am sure the Leas-Cheann Comhairle will be flexible.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am sure the Deputy will construct the question in such a way that makes it in order.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am sure the Taoiseach discussed the matter with the Heads of State.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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It is a preoccupation of mine.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I ask him to reaffirm that, in the event of future changes being made to European policy, Irish people will again have the opportunity as set out in the Constitution to decide by referendum on whatever question arises. We have made that clear on many occasions but there are those who do not want to accept it.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm what the Deputy had to say regarding the latter matter.

On the question of taxation policy in other jurisdictions, that is a matter for the governments of those jurisdictions. The matter was raised by investors at the question and answer session and the Prime Minister outlined his well-known view that when one takes account of allowances and other arrangements, the net position compares favourably to our 12.5% rate. These are matters to be constantly considered by investors. It is fair to say that Northern Ireland has been improving economically for some time, particularly as the peace process becomes, hopefully, bedded down. They have areas of competitiveness and, even if it is not possible to achieve exact parallels between North and South on corporation and other tax rates, the logic of the island economy as a whole means that in respect of many projects, packages can be devised which derive benefits from the competitiveness on both sides of the Border. I would like to see more such efforts on marketing both sides together and various agencies are active in that regard. We have to continue to co-operate and build trust between us in respect of these areas.

In my former position as Minister for Finance, I have been able to work with the First Minister elect — if his nomination proceeds tomorrow — to market the island for financial services and to reap the benefits that result from an island approach in terms of providing additional jobs on both sides of the Border. That represents a pioneering effort on our behalf and shows how others can do likewise in the future.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is more than ten years since the launch of the concept of marketing the island of Ireland in a tourism sense. This concept will stand up to any test because neither Government can allow it to fail. As somebody who gets the occasional opportunity to walk around a golf course, I see the need for a massive effort this year to promote the island of Ireland for next year. Many of the links courses along the west coast have experienced decreases of 2,000 rounds of golf by American visitors due to the fall in the dollar and because Americans do not travel during presidential election years. We know who these people are and I suggest that the authorities in Northern Ireland and Fáilte Ireland should put their heads together with a view to launching a campaign to recover that ground next year. We are competing against Scotland and other countries. In the context of quality, we can be justly proud that golf courses in County Donegal and Northern Ireland are making arrangements for future Irish Open competitions but if incentives were provided now by the Six Counties and the Republic, they would pay dividends.

Were discussions held on the matter raised by Deputy Reilly and referred to by the Minister for Health and Children during our debate on cancer services, namely, that cross-Border co-operation on cancer services should have been much better, whether between Letterkenny and Altnagelvin or Enniskillen and Sligo? That seems to have been the reason that the national cancer strategy opted for a satellite unit in Letterkenny on a geographical basis. Has the Taoiseach a view on that given that health crosses all borders? Both Governments should give serious consideration to this matter with a view to providing services for all patients, irrespective of from where they come.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am a strong proponent of co-operation between the North and the Republic in all areas and in every possible way because I believe it represents the best deal for the taxpayer and the best way by which the country can progress. The CAWT initiative has been ongoing in the health area for many years and a co-operation agreement has been reached, for example, between the north east and Daisy Hill in Newry for renal services. Arrangements have also been put in place in respect of Altnagelvin. Anything that improves patient care and increases co-operation between clinicians in order to enhance the prospects of patients on both sides of the Border is not only to be welcomed, but is also common sense.

In regard to the tourism issue, Tourism Ireland markets the island as a whole. As Deputy Kenny noted, tourism from the United States will be under pressure this year due to exchange rate issues and because this is an election year. I am aware concerns exist in that regard. However, it must be remembered we are working off a higher base. Anything that can be done to restore previous levels of activity from next year will be done. I will bring the matter raised by the Deputy to the attention of the relevant agencies.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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These questions cover quite a spectrum of matters. On attendance by members of the Government at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics or at the events that will take place during the games, will the Taoiseach clarify the position in respect of his indication regarding official representation at any or all of the events in question? Has the Taoiseach given consideration to visiting the United States before the presidential election there later in the year?

My final question relates to the meeting between the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, and the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, on 14 April. Is the current Taoiseach aware of whether his predecessor raised with Chancellor Merkel her statement on the Lisbon treaty in the European Parliament on 27 June 2007 to the effect that "The substance of the constitution is preserved. That is a fact."? Is Chancellor Merkel's view, which she repeated in the interim, shared by the Taoiseach?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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In respect of the question on China, I am of the belief that one should not mix sport with politics. We should show solidarity towards those who will be competing, in the spirit of the Olympic Games and all it represents. I am strongly of the view that since its reconstitution, the Olympic movement has been a unifying factor. The boycotts of the Olympic Games in Moscow and Los Angeles did not assist matters in any way. We have a responsibility to bring to the attention of the Chinese any issues about which we are concerned and this should be done in a frank and appropriate way in the context of our normal bilateral relations. I do not have available to me details of the arrangements with regard to who will be attending the Beijing games on the Government's behalf. We should show solidarity with those sportspersons who will represent this country at the Olympic Games.

I have not yet finalised arrangements in the context of making a further visit to the United States. However, I have indicated my willingness to travel there and I am waiting to receive final confirmation. I will work hard to achieve that.

I am not aware of the statement the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, made on 27 June of last year. However, I had the opportunity to meet her on that occasion before the then Taoiseach had dinner and discussed business with her. She has been very supportive of those campaigning for a "Yes" vote in the referendum on the Lisbon reform treaty. Germany has been a great friend to Ireland during its membership of the EU. I am glad to know that Chancellor Merkel is a strong supporter of the "Yes" campaign.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Does the Taoiseach agree with her view?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I would have to check the Deputy's quote in that regard before I could comment. I am sure he provided a full and complete quotation.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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It is accurate.