Apologies have been received from Deputies Davern, Noonan and Dan Wallace and Senator Norris. The minutes of the previous meeting of 15 July were circulated with the agenda. Are they agreed? Agreed.
The joint committee sent a delegation to Ethiopia and Uganda. It was heavy going, particularly as the visits took place on consecutive weeks. It was, however, good to observe the work of Development Co-operation Ireland. We also met the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Mr. Meles Zenawi. The European Union is seeking permission to send an observer team to elections due in Ethiopia next year. Following our discussions, Mr. Zenawi invited Ireland to send observers and indicated that the EU could also send observers. This was an excellent outcome.
We were involved closely in the projects under way in Ethiopia and will provide a full report on the visit at a later date.
