We have received apologies from Senators Kitt and Norris. The minutes of the meeting of 27 June have been circulated. Are they agreed? Agreed. Are there any matters arising?
Business of Joint Committee.
We were to issue an invitation to the Minister for Foreign Affairs to discuss the non-proliferation treaty.
We did that. It is on the list to be discussed in private session.
Is he coming?
We will discuss the matter in private session.
I do not intend to delay the meeting but the minutes amount to a cursory summary. The Chairman will recall that considerable dissatisfaction was expressed at Dr. ElBaradei's article in The Guardian which was sent to us by the ambassador of India. I presume the matter will come up for discussion with the Minister.
The Minister is in Darfur this week. As he will also be tied up next week, we have written to the Department seeking a date.
When the Department responds, will it discuss Dr. ElBaradei's article which contradicts the Irish policy position on the non-proliferation treaty? It is hard to see how Dr. ElBaradei can retain his position, given the sentiments expressed in the article which canvasses for an alternative to the treaty. I am perfectly happy to wait.
The Minister is committed this week and next. We hope he will be available after that but we have written seeking a date.
We look forward to seeing him.
Although it is not included in the minutes, would the Chairman consider including in the agenda for the next meeting a briefing by the Department of Foreign Affairs for the information of the committee on the legislative position on the undocumented Irish in America? This follows a day of action at which there was all-party representation.
That is agreed.