John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

It is incorrect to suggest she refused to attend the conference. On 25 October 2005, the Tánaiste received an invitation to attend an international conference in Pennsylvania. She agreed to attend the conference. On 18 January last, she received a request from the INO to attend its conference. She replied to the INO on 24 February, stating that she was unable to attend its conference because she had an existing diary commitment in Pennsylvania. She nominated the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to attend the conference on her behalf. I have outlined the facts of the paper trail. The Tánaiste did not refuse to attend the INO conference. She has never refused to attend anything at any stage.