42 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the proposal by Trócaire and other international relief agencies that an independent panel of experts and a war crimes tribunal should be established through the invocation of the genocide convention to investigate crimes against humanity with respect to East Timor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20857/99]

61 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will exert all possible pressure to ensure that the UNHCR is given full control over the safe and voluntary return of refugees to East Timor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20859/99]

80 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funds, if any, Ireland has provided to date for humanitarian relief in East Timor; the latest information available on the number of persons still displaced; the additional steps, if any, planned to alleviate suffering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20856/99]

81 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans, if any, Ireland has to give formal recognition to East Timor as an independent state in view of the outcome of the referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20863/99]

91 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the current situation in East Timor. [20958/99]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 61, 80, 81 and 91 together.

Since I last described the situation in East Timor to the House on 29 September there have been a number of important developments. In this regard, I welcome in particular the completion of the Indonesian military withdrawal from East Timor over the weekend.

On 4 October, I met the East Timorese leaders, Mr. Xanana Gusmao and Mr. Ramos Horta in Dublin when they expressed their appreciation for the support that Ireland had already given. They briefed the Taoiseach and myself on the challenges facing the people of East Timor, and sought Ireland's continuing support. I assured them of this.