Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he had with the Secretary of State of the USA on his recent visit there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25017/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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On 3 October, I met with the US Secretary of State, Dr Condoleezza Rice, in Washington DC. My meeting provided an opportunity to discuss a number of issues of current international concern, including the planned conference in the US next month on the Middle East as well as Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Following on from meetings I had earlier that week in New York, including with UN Secretary General Ban and the Sudanese Foreign Minister, Lam Akol, and on which I briefed the Secretary, we also discussed the situations in Burma and Darfur. In discussing Darfur, I also briefed Secretary Rice on the new EU ESDP mission to Chad and the Central African Republic and of Ireland's intention to participate, subject to final Government decision and Dáil approval.

Secretary Rice and I also discussed the issue of conflict resolution and the establishment of a dedicated unit within my Department to develop Ireland's profile and expertise in this area. Secretary Rice expressed support for our efforts and the close cooperation being forged with the United Nations in developing the future work programme of the Conflict Resolution Unit.

The Government's complete opposition to extraordinary rendition, and the importance in this regard of the assurances we have received from the US authorities, including from Secretary Rice herself, were also recalled.

We also discussed recent very positive developments in Northern Ireland and I expressed the Government's appreciation of the US Administration's ongoing support and involvement. I emphasised the importance of economic success to underpin political progress in Northern Ireland and briefed on the potential benefits of North/South co-operation to contribute to economic growth and prosperity on the island of Ireland.

During the meeting, I emphasised my concern about the situation facing the undocumented Irish in the United States following the failure of efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation in the US Congress earlier this year. During the meeting, I emphasised my concern about the situation facing the undocumented Irish in the United States following the failure of efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation in the US Congress earlier this year. I made clear the Government's determination to explore possible alternative options, including bilateral arrangements. While recognising the present very difficult environment for immigration reform in Congress, we agreed to explore further the potential for resolving the position of our undocumented citizens. This work will now be actively taken forward by the Ambassador and his staff in Washington.

I also raised the case of an Irish citizen who was killed recently while serving with the United States Armed Forces in Afghanistan and requested that the full circumstances surrounding her death be made available to the family.