Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 347: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation as it currently pertains in Thailand. [46614/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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While the situation in Thailand remains tense, the demonstrations mounted by the People's Alliance for Democracy, which paralysed the capital and key airports in recent weeks, have ended. A new Prime Minister — Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the opposition Democrat Party — was elected by the parliament on 15 December, and the process of establishing a new government is now underway. However, in response, supporters of the previous Government launched their own protests in the capital and the situation remains volatile, with the deep-seated polarisation of Thai politics and society unresolved. Thailand also faces both economic difficulties and the task of restoring its international image as a major tourist destination.

If political stability is to be achieved, and if Thailand is to successfully address the many challenges it faces, it is vital for the parties there to engage in dialogue in a spirit of national reconciliation. Defining the role of the military will need to be a feature of this process. Of key importance also, in both the short and longer term, will be observance of the rule of law, respect for the Thai constitution and protection of the democratic process.

With regard to the situation of Irish citizens in Thailand, the main airports have now reopened and officials and airlines are working to clear the backlog of stranded passengers. Assistance to Irish citizens continues, of course, to be available through our Honorary Consul in Bangkok and our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, should it be required.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in Mumbai, India following the recent terrorist attack there; if all Irish persons who had been in the vicinity have safely left the area; and if Irish and European officials have contacted Indian counterparts in the aftermath of the events. [46615/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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India remains in a state of heightened alert in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks. There are concerns that there may be further terrorist incidents, particularly as the country prepares for national elections due before May 2009. Security remains tight throughout the country, particularly in major cities and at installations such as airports and Government buildings. My Department is currently advising travellers to exercise caution in relation to journeys to and within India.

My Department provided consular assistance to over 30 individuals with whom it was in contact. Thankfully, there were no Irish injuries, but several Irish citizens had been in hotels attacked by the militants. All of these managed to escape without injury, though some were deeply distressed by the experience. Assistance provided to them included replacement of travel documents which had to be abandoned when the attacks took place, travel arrangements home or out of Mumbai and general advice about the situation and safety issues. My Department is not aware of any Irish citizens that now require follow-up advice or assistance in the affected region. The Irish Ambassador in India visited Mumbai on 15 and 16 December for a series of official meetings and calls, including a number of calls on persons and agencies who were helpful to Irish citizens during the crisis.

At their meeting on 8 December, EU Foreign Ministers renewed their strong condemnation of the attacks in Mumbai and reiterated their expression of condolences to the families of the victims and their solidarity with the people of India and with the Indian authorities. Ministers also reiterated their determination to contribute to the fight against terrorism throughout South Asia and called for the stepping up of regional cooperation in combating terrorism. They also underlined their hope that Pakistan will cooperate fully with the Indian investigation into the attacks and that both countries and their neighbours will work together to bring those responsible to justice.

In terms of my own contacts, as I stated in response to a previous Parliamentary Question on 4 December, I spoke with the Indian Ambassador in Dublin on 27 November, the day after the attacks began, to convey my sincere condolences on behalf of the Irish people at the tragic events which were taking place at that time. I also expressed the hope that the Indian authorities would be able to resolve the situation without further loss of life and that those who carried out or plotted these attacks would be brought to justice. On 9 December I wrote to the Minister of External Affairs of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, to express my personal condolences on the tragic loss of life which occurred at Mumbai and to express the deep appreciation of the Government for the support extended by the relevant Indian security and emergency services to officials in our Embassy in New Delhi and our Consulate General in Mumbai as they carried out their consular duties following the attacks. I assured the Minister of our support and solidarity at this most difficult time for India.