I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 to 256, inclusive, together.
Successive Irish Governments have traditionally availed of the period around St. Patrick's Day to capitalise on the goodwill and unparalleled opportunities generated by the celebrations to promote Ireland around the world, including in terms of highlighting Ireland as an attractive tourist destination. I carried out a full programme of events and meetings while I was in the San Francisco area. During the course of my engagements, tourism matters were discussed and promoted on many occasions, including in my meetings with the mayors of both San Francisco and Oakland. I also met with representatives of Tourism Ireland and the other state agencies during my engagements in Silicon Valley. I used my speaking engagements as additional opportunities to promote tourism to Ireland.
Officials of my Department met with their counterparts in the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in advance of my visit, and I would like to express my appreciation to those officials who prepared comprehensive briefing material on tourism issues, which was very valuable. No doubt the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism will, in the light of the various ministerial visits and other promotional activities world-wide, co-ordinate, refine and appraise their strategy to maximise the benefits and spin-offs to the tourism industry.