Vol. 563 No. 4
572 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he or officials from his Department met the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism prior to his departure regarding his recent visit to China; if he was given a brief in regard to tourism; if that briefing was used during his visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8218/03]
573 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he or his Department will be supplying a brief to the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism in regard to his recent visit to China as to possibilities of tourism links and his or his Department officials' meetings with the tourism sector on his visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8219/03]
574 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the meetings he had with the tourism sector on his recent visit to China; the number of groups he met; if he met the Minister for Tourism; if he used the tourism brief given to him by the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8220/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 572 to 574, inclusive, together.
Prior to my departure to China to participate, on behalf of the State, in the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in that country, I received comprehensive briefing material from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. Neither I nor my officials met officials from that Department prior to my departure.
In addition to engaging with the Irish community in China in celebrating our national holiday, I met a series of state officials. I took every opportunity afforded me to strengthen our economic links with China, in all its facets, in the course of those meetings.
