I am currently scheduled to undertake a number of engagements at the St. Patrick's Day festivities in San Francisco from 10 to 15 March. However, my diary has yet to be finalised in this regard.
The Minister of State, Deputy Sean Power, will attend the annual St. Patrick's Day banquet at the Botanical Gardens, Birmingham, hosted by Irish Welfare and Information Centre, Deritend, Birmingham. This will take place on 17 March. The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, will represent the Government at the Birmingham St. Patrick's Day parade on 13 March 2005. The parade commences at 12 noon. On the day, the Minister of State will also attend mass at St. Anne's church in the Irish quarter at 9.30 a.m.
Deputy Tim O'Malley, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, is currently scheduled to undertake a number of engagements in Dubai for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations beginning there on 22 March. His proposed itinerary includes meeting with the United Arab Emirates Minister for Health, the head of the federal hospitals administration, Mr. Dermot Mannion, CFO, Emirates Airlines and representatives from Dubai Duty Free. The Minister of State will also attend a lunch hosted by the ambassador, Enterprise Ireland and the Dubai Irish Society St. Patrick's Day ball.
Briefing material on these trips will be provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs.