58 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has been in touch with the rock band U2 to congratulate them on their recent charity concert in Sarajevo. [14732/97]

The Ambassador of Ireland to Bosnia and Hercegovina, Mr. Bernard Davenport, warmly expressed the appreciation of the Government and people of Ireland when he met members of U2 on Wednesday last. On my behalf, he congratulated them on their splendid contribution to bringing together people from all sides of the divided community in that country.

The ambassador, who is based in Berne and was in Sarajevo to present his credentials as the first ambassador of Ireland to Bosnia and Hercegovina, also used the opportunity to draw President Ali Izetbegovic's attention to U2's generosity in the interests of Bosnian reconciliation.