Vol. 567 No. 7
142 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contact he or his Department has had with the US Administration or the US Embassy concerning the war in Iraq, and matters related to that war, since the onset of hostilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9683/03]
I have not met specifically to discuss Iraq with the US Administration or with the US Embassy since the outbreak of hostilities. I have had a number of meetings with Ambassador Richard Haass and of course the Taoiseach and I had an important meeting with President Bush and Prime Minister Blair at Hillsborough, upon which I have already briefed this House at the time. These meetings were largely in connection with the Northern Ireland Peace Process. I also met with Secretary of State Powell at an EU lunch in Brussels on 3 April, and I briefed the House on that meeting upon my return. Officials of my Department are in regular contact with the US Embassy and the US Administration, and have used those contacts to convey to the US authorities the Government's views on the conflict.
Question No. 143 answered with Question No. 9.
