John Gormley
Question:75 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether President Mandela of South Africa will be visiting this country in the autumn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16449/98]
Vol. 493 No. 4
75 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether President Mandela of South Africa will be visiting this country in the autumn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16449/98]
An invitation was extended to President Nelson Mandela to make a State visit to Ireland following President Robinson's visit to South Africa — 8-11 May 1994. This invitation is still outstanding. The invitation was raised again during my recent visit to South Africa — 4-8 June 1998. It was also raised by the Taoiseach when he met with President Mandela at the European Council in Cardiff earlier this month.