Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
1635. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a list of engagements that the Minister of State with special responsibility for Tourism and Sport had on his August 2013 visit to the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37404/13]
View answerI visited the USA from 14th to 17th August last to attend the Milwaukee Irish Fest and a number of Tourism Ireland promotional events and meetings. Below is the Itinerary for my trip.
Wednesday, August 14:
11.25 - Depart Dublin
Afternoon - Arrive Chicago approx.
1.45 pm - Briefing meeting with Tourism Ireland
Evening - Meet with members of the Irish Community in Chicago / Reception hosted by Consul General
Thursday, August 15:
Morning - Media interviews at the hotel including:
10.00 - Interview with Mary Lu Laffey, The Daily Herald in Arlington Heights,
10.45 - Video interview with Keith Johnson, Planner Wire on Business Tourism.
11.15 - Cliff Carlson, Editor, Irish America News
12.15 - Depart hotel for lunch event at Gage Restaurant
12.30 -14.00 - Tourism Ireland networking reception and lunch with Travel Trade, Carriers, Local Media, Business Tourism contacts
14.15 - Depart Chicago for Milwaukee. Greeted on arrival by Colleen Kennedy, Guest Relations, Milwaukee Irish Fest
17.00 - Depart for Milwaukee Irish Fest Opening Ceremony
17.30 - Irish Fest Opening ceremony on Aer Lingus stage
18.00 - Milwaukee Irish Fest Reception
Friday, 16 August:
06.50 - Depart Hotel for Irish Festival Grounds
07.15 - Arrive at Festival Grounds
07.45 - Media Interviews with WITI-TV FOX Milwaukee
08.10 - Depart Festival Grounds for transfer to NBC studio
08.45 - Arrive at NBC studios
09.10 - Media Interview on the Morning Blend show
09.40 - Depart for Milwaukee City Hall at 200 E. Wells St.
10.00 - Reception at City Hall to welcome Minister Ring and other honored guests hosted by Milwaukee Mayor, Tom Barrett, and Aldermen Michael Murphy and Robert Donovan.
11.45 - Depart City Hall for media lunch
12.00 - Lunch with local media representatives
15.45 - Depart for Milwaukee Irish Fest
16.00 - View Opening
16.15 - Visit Tourism Ireland and Irish Destinations area and meet participants.
17.00 - Visit the Clare County Council reception at the Brian Boru tent at the festival grounds.
17.30 - Tour the Milwaukee Irish Fest
18.00 - Visit Cultural Village: Gaeltacht, Hedge School, Theater, Dance Pavilion, Cultural Exhibit Pavilion, Currachs, Genealogy, etc.
Saturday, 17 August
10.00 am - Depart for Chicago
