Summer extension as TDs pay visit to Morocco

THE Irish summer is over but a cross-party group of politicians have been given the opportunity to enjoy some sunshine for a few more days at least — in Morocco.

The delegation of six TDs and one senator, led by Ceann Comhairle Dr Rory O’Hanlon, has travelled to the country to meet their political counterparts.

“It is hoped that this visit to the Kingdom of Morocco will serve to further strengthen parliamentary relations between the Moroccan House of Representatives and Oireachtas Éireann,” a statement on the delegation’s behalf said yesterday.

The group left for Morocco yesterday and will remain there until Thursday.

Dr O’Hanlon is joined by Fine Gael TDs Padraic McCormack and Paul McGrath, Labour TD Jack Wall, independent TDs Tony Gregory and James Breen, and Progressive Democrat, Senator Tom Morrissey.

Their schedule includes meetings with Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Benaissa, Abdelwahed Radi, president of the Moroccan House of Representatives; and Amina Bouayach, of the Moroccan Organisation for Human Rights.

The cost of the trip will not be known until after the delegation’s return.