Vol. 452 No. 3
4 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach the number of State receptions hosted since the change of Government on 15 December 1994; the number planned for the remainder of 1995; the events or meetings these receptions mark; and the number and purpose of such receptions during 1994. [7957/95]
I have hosted three State receptions since 15 December 1994 and my predecessor hosted five in 1994. I propose to circulate details in the Official Report.
Details of Receptions hosted by the Taoiseach since 15 December 1994.
1. To commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the foundation of St. Patrick's Hospital, on 20 February 1995 (The former Taoiseach had agreed to host this reception.)
2. To mark the visit of the Country Music Association, Nashville, on 4 April 1995,
3. Following the commemoration ceremony to mark the 50th Anniversary of the ending of the Second World War and the Holocaust, on 28 April 1995.
As of now, it is envisaged that there will be two further receptions before the end of 1995:
(1) following the National Day of Commemoration Ceremony on 9 July 1995, and
(2) on the occasion of the International and Ecumenical Conference (Societas Liturgica) being held in Dublin in August when an official reception will be hosted on 16 August 1995, on behalf of the Taoiseach, by the Minister for Justice. (The former Taoiseach had agreed to host this reception.)
Details of Receptions hosted by the Taoiseach in 1994, prior to the change of Government.
There were five receptions in 1994:
1. To mark the occasion of the meeting of the Irish Association in Dublin Castle on 10 January 1994,
2. To mark the Centenary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on 2 February 1994,
3. To commemorate the Centenary of the National Maternity Hospital on 24 March 1994,
4. Following the National Day of Commemoration Ceremony on 10 July 1994, and
5. On the occasion of the visit to Ireland by the Archbishop of Canterbury, on 17 November 1994.
