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JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS debate -
Wednesday, 30 Jun 2010

Business of Joint Committee

Rather than deal with the large volume of correspondence individually, I propose that it be noted with the exception of the following. We received an e-mail on 28 June 2010 from Leon Dias, UNITA's representative to Ireland, enclosing three documents concerning Angola. Mr. Dias is seeking the support of the foreign affairs committee in addressing ongoing human rights issues in Angola. In particular, he seeks the support of the committee in pushing for free and fair elections in Angola in 2012. It is proposed that we hold a meeting on Angola at some stage following the recess. Is that agreed? Agreed.

An e-mail, dated 1 June, was sent by Senator Ann Ormonde to the clerk regarding human rights and corruption in Uganda. She asked if the committee could request a meeting with the Ugandan representative to Ireland.

Senator Ormonde is gone. I propose we agree to arrange a meeting for after the recess.

An e-mail dated 22 June was received from Senator Mark Daly requesting that we invite Mr. John Ging to a committee meeting to discuss the partial lifting of the Gaza blockade.

I do not know if Senator Daly would agree but we should not put pressure on John Ging but ask him to attend at his convenience, if he is home.

At a time that is convenient to him.

Why not ask him for an up-to-date report too? He can send it to us as he is very agreeable.

I thought that it could be an up-to-date report too, including the lifting of the blockade.

Yes, to see if it is working.

Under any other business there is a proposal for Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan to become a member of the sub-committee on human rights. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I congratulate the Deputy. Is there any other business?

I wish to return to my question on UN troops and the violation of women. What is the protocol? Must I ask the committee in writing to seek clarification on what action is being taken? The problem is ongoing.

It is quite hellish.

My other question was about the International Monetary Fund and whether it will cancel a debt?

First, there was a report sent to the UN Secretary General on violations of human rights perpetrated by troops serving on UN missions.

I forgot to say that.

We could look for an update on it and make specific reference for the inclusion of UN soldiers in Haiti.

Second, the cancellation of IMF debt was raised by the Department of Finance. If I remember correctly, the first time was at the meeting in Canada where the debt was not to be fully cancelled but then it was.

It was fully cancelled but the committee needs to check that information with the Department of Finance.

The committee should also check that there were no conditions attached to the debt cancellation.

That happened after the agitation.

I thank members for attending and waiting until the end of the meeting.

The joint committee adjourned at 4.35 p.m. until 3.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 14 July 2010.
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