asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an official delegation recently visited Iraq; if he will give a list of the members of the delegation; the purpose of their visit; if he will give details of any meetings which took place with members of the Iraqi Government or their representatives; if any Irish Government officials or representatives of Irish companies or trade organisations attended such meetings; if so, who; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Visit to Iraq.
79.
An official delegation is currently attending the Fifth Session of the Ireland-Iraqi Joint Commission, which is taking place in Baghdad from 7 to 10 November. The delegation is being led by Mr. Séamus Brennan TD, Minister for Trade and Marketing, and Chairman of the Joint Commission. The Vice-Chairman is Mr. John Swift, Assistant Secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs. The delegation comprises, in addition, officials representing the following Departments and semi-State bodies: Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Industry and Commerce, Department of Agriculture and Food, Department of Energy, Córas Tráchtála, Córas Beostoic agus Feola, PARC, Electricity Supply Board, Irish National Petroleum Corporation and the Irish Embassy in Baghdad.
As the Joint Commission proceedings are still in progress, I am not in a position to give detailed information on the meetings which are taking place. It is expected, however, that, in addition to the formal sessions of the Joint Commission, the Head of Delegation will meet several members of the Government of Iraq, including the Minister for Trade and Communications, Mr. Hamza, who is Co-Chairman of the Joint Commission, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Health. At the same time as the meetings which are being held within the framework of the Joint Commission, a number of Irish companies will be participating in the Baghdad International Fair. This year, the Irish participation, which is being co-ordinated by Córas Tráchtála, comprises 21 companies, 12 of whom are directly represented. The Minister for Trade and Marketing attended this morning a ceremony for the raising of the Irish flag at the international fair.
It is not the normal practice for individuals who are not members of the official delegation to the Joint Commission to attend its proceedings, nor is it envisaged that there will be any departure from this practice on this occasion.
It is hoped that, as a result both of the Joint Commission and of the Irish participation in the International Trade Fair, there will be a significant increase in the value of Ireland's earnings in Iraq next year.