Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the diplomatic relations between Ireland and Burma since 1997 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23722/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As my predecessor, Deputy Dermot Ahern, outlined in his response to a parliamentary question on 17 April, in the context of our EU Presidency, diplomatic relations with Burma were established on 10 February 2004 through the issue of a Joint Communiqué in the names of the two Governments. However, due to the deterioration in the political situation which followed shortly afterwards, including the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, it was decided not to proceed with an exchange of non-resident Ambassadors. The Government subsequently made it clear to the Burmese authorities that diplomatic relations will not be advanced, including and in particular the accreditation of Ambassadors, until positive developments in that country have taken place, in particular the release of Aung San Suu Kyi.