Mary Harney
Question:2 Miss Harney asked the Taoiseach the members of the Government who will be outside the country for St. Patrick's Day; the centres they will be visiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3045/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - St. Patrick's Day Official Visits.
I will be in the United States and at most four Cabinet Ministers will be abroad——
That will not make any difference.
I ask Members of the Opposition to remain quiet.
We await the Taoiseach's response to my challenge.
We are now on Question No. 2.
(Interruptions.)
I will be in the United States and at most four Cabinet Ministers will be abroad specifically to attend functions associated with the national feast.
The Ministers for Tourism and Trade and Transport, Energy and Communications will be visiting New York, Philadelphia and Boston. The Minister for Equality and Law Reform will be in Toronto and there will also be ministerial representation at St. Patrick's Day functions in London. It is also possible that a member of the Government will be travelling to Australia for St Patrick's Day events there.
Given the peace process, will the Taoiseach consider inviting representatives from both communities in Northern Ireland to accompany Ministers on their visits abroad for St. Patrick's Day?
I had not thought about that before the Deputy raised it. While I do not wish to react with undue haste to such a suggestion, I will consider it.
Given that St. Patrick's Day is a national holiday in both the North and the South, it might be an opportunity to invite such representatives to accompany the Ministers on their visits abroad. I appreciate the Taoiseach's response. Will Ministers be attending the main St. Patrick's Day parades in this country?
I expect Ministers — and there are many more than there were last year——
There are many more now.
——will make every endeavour to attend St. Patrick's Day parades around the country.
Will the Taoiseach confirm that no Government Minister has been asked to review the St. Patrick's Day parade in New York?
I will have to check on that. I cannot give the Deputy that information at present but I will supply it to him.