Vol. 501 No. 6
86 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the official meetings she will have during her forthcoming visit to Australia; the plans, if any, she has to meet her Australian counterpart; the plans, if any, she has to meet with the Australian film commission and any other organisation in order to promote bilateral economic and cultural activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6908/99]
I am pleased that I have been given the opportunity to represent the Government at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Australia. These celebrations across the world provide the opportunity to give a high profile to Ireland which can be utilised to enhance economic and cultural activity.
While in Australia, I will meet Irish communities in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne and join with them in celebrating St. Patrick's Day. I hope to meet the Australian Prime Minister, my counterpart, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, the Premier of Victoria and the Lord Mayor of Sydney. I also hope to meet the chief executive of the Australian Film Commission, senior figures in the Australian broadcasting services, representatives of the Australia Council, the director of the Australian National Gallery, the president of the Irish-Australian Chamber of Commerce, the vice-chancellor of Victoria University and prominent members of the arts community in Australia.
I am confident that my visit will promote further cultural links with Australia, a good example of which is the film co-production agreement in place between the two countries.
