Brendan Howlin
Ceist:60 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his discussions with UN Special Ambassador, Richard Haass during his recent visit here. [10249/02]
Written Answers. - Visit of UN Special Ambassador.
Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen): Since his appointment by President Bush as US Ambassador-at-large with overall responsibility for Ireland last year, Ambassador Haass and I have met on a number of occasions. The ambassador's most recent visit to Ireland was on 15 January, when we had a wide-ranging discussion on issues of mutual interest. I took the opportunity to express the Government's appreciation for the ongoing support of President Bush and the US Administration for the peace process, and to brief Ambassador Haass on recent developments, including the Government's concern about the security situation in North Belfast and the progress made in implementing the Patten recommendations on policing.