Robert Molloy
Question:41 Mr. Molloy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans, if any, the Government has for overseas representation at St. Patrick's day ceremonies this year. [2645/96]
Written Answers. - St. Patrick's Day Overseas Representations.
The Taoiseach will be in Washington DC from 13 to 16 March and Newfoundland, Canada 16 to 17 March for St. Patrick's Day ceremonies. I will attend events in Britain on 16 March.
The Minister for the Environment will be in Toronto and the Minister for Justice will attend events in both New York and Boston. The American midwest will be covered by the Minister for Equality and Law Reform who will visit Cleveland, and by the Minister of State at the Department of the Marine who will be in Chicago. Minister of State Deenihan will visit the west coast of the US, particularly San Jose, California, and Minister of State Allen will travel to Atlanta.
The Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht will be in Paris where ceremonies will coincide with the launch of L'Imaginaire Irlandais. Minister of State Doyle will attend events in Australia and New Zealand.
In line with the practice over the years, the Minister for Defence will visit Irish troops serving in the Middle East during the St. Patrick's Day period.