Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:8 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the contact, if any, he has made with the Australian Prime Minister since the country's general election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20168/98]
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Re-election of Australian Prime Minister.
I sent a letter of congratulation to Mr. John Howard on his re-election as Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia.
A letter of commiseration.
Has the Taoiseach any plans to visit Australia?
Not in the foreseeable future.
While the programme for next year is not finalised there are no plans for a visit early next year.
Not before Christmas.
Not before Christmas.
Does the Taoiseach intend to take the opportunity to meet or communicate in a more direct way with the Prime Minister and, if so, will he press the issue of East Timor with him?
I always do so whenever I meet anybody from that part of the world. President McAleese visited Australia recently. In my letter I invited the Prime Minister to visit Ireland in his second term of office. I hope he will do so.