asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he has been approached in an effort to get Irish firms to participate in an Irish pavilion at the Montreal exhibition, Man and His World; and whether his Department have held any consultations with the organisers of this exhibition.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Pavilion at Montreal Exhibition.
6.
I understand that a group of Canadian citizens in Montreal have formed a non-profit corporation to be called "The Irish House—La Maison Irlandaise" to operate a pavilion on the site of the EXPO 67 Exhibition during the present year as part of a locally organised exhibition which will have the theme "Man and His World".
No approach to the Government in this connection has been made by the Canadian Corporation responsible for the organisation of the Universal and International Exhibition of 1967 known as EXPO 67. However, members of the group forming the corporation entitled "The Irish House —La Maison Irlandaise" have informed the Embassy at Ottawa and my Department of their efforts to obtain the participation of Irish exporting firms and other bodies interested in trade and tourism. Officials of my Department have met the principal organisers and have assured them that, although it would not be possible for the Government to provide direct financial aid for the project, the efforts of the organisers would be assured of all other possible assistance so far as my Department and other Government Departments and State agencies are concerned. However, decisions in regard to participation in the exhibition, it was indicated, are for determination by the private firms and State agencies concerned.