Feargal Quinn (Independent)

The Tánaiste is very welcome. I would like to mention the case of an Irishwoman whose husband has been in jail in Sri Lanka for some years. The Tánaiste has the details of the case. The woman in question lives in Ireland with the couple's two children. We have not been able to bring attention to the matter. I urge the Tánaiste to see what he can do about it. He has the details already.

Can we take it that the Tánaiste will not support the admission of Palestine as a state until it recognises the existence of the State of Israel and allows it to exist? To the best of my knowledge, Palestine does not recognise the State of Israel or its right to exist.

I would like to congratulate the Tánaiste on becoming the chairman of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. His status as chairman will give this country an opportunity to address certain matters. We do not have any trade with, or diplomatic presence in, central Asia. We have an opportunity to become known there. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe is a household name there. I would like to think Ireland could become a household name there too. We have great opportunities to do business in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, in particular. Irish people and Irish companies are doing business there, but many Irish companies do not know those states exist. Can we take it that the Tánaiste will do his best to ensure Irish companies know that opportunities exist in central Asia?