I propose to take Questions Nos. 181, 182 and 183 together.
Successive 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 travelled to Savannah, Georgia during the period 16 to 19 March 2003 to attend St. Patrick's Day functions while the Naval Service ship, LE Róisín, was in port there. I was accompanied on the visit by my wife, the Secretary General of my Department and my private secretary.
On St. Patrick's Day, following Mass at the Cathedral of John the Baptist and a breakfast hosted by Bishop Boland, I reviewed the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. Later that evening, I represented the Government as guest speaker at the 191st annual Hibernian Society dinner. During my address to the society, I availed of the opportunity to promote Ireland as a top class tourist destination to a receptive audience of over 850 guests. I acknowledged the role played by organisations such as the Hibernian Society in preserving and promoting Irish cultural pursuits and values.
On 18 March 2003, I visited the LE Róisín, which arrived in Savannah on 13 March 2003. As Savannah has long-standing Irish heritage and family connections, the ship's company hosted local religious, civic and military dignitaries as well as members of the local business community during her goodwill visit. The ship's company also participated in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah. On 19 March 2003, I had to cut short my visit to return to Ireland to be present in the Dáil on 20 March 2003.