Vol. 458 No. 5
14 Mr. Ellis asked the Taoiseach the meetings, if any, he had during his recent visit to the United States of America; if any of those meetings concerned the peace process; and if he will make a statement regarding the visit. [17042/95]
During my visit to New York from 9-10 November 1995 I had the following meetings: a private reception and dinner on 9 November; on 10 November, a meeting with Mayor Giuliani at City Hall; a meeting with Bill Flynn, a member of Americans for a New Irish Agenda; a visit to the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre at Wood-side, Queens; an interview for the Adrian Flannelly Radio Show; a meeting with Eamon Coghlan's team for the New York Marathon; and a meeting with Niall O'Dowd, publisher of the Irish Voice newspaper and Irish America magazine.
During the visit, I availed of all appropriate opportunities to promote the Irish economy, particularly trade and investment, as well as promoting the peace process.
I was particularly pleased to visit the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre which provides training, education programmes and advice for Irish immigrants to the United States of America. In doing this, the centre's staff provide an exclusive service in helping Irish immigrants find suitable employment and familiarise themselves with US tax, welfare, health and public administration procedures.
I had the opportunity to meet and speak to people in the centre who offer immigration counselling, computer training, and citizenship and naturalisation advice. The main purpose of my visit to New York was to attend a party function and therefore the costs involved will not be charged to public funds.
We did not ask about the costs involved. Did Mr. O'Dowd or Mr. Flynn discuss the peace process with the Taoiseach when he met them and what advice did they give to him with regard to it?
I had a full discussion with both of them on the peace process and I found their views useful.
We will now deal with Question No. 15.
Unless we have sufficient time, we should leave it until tomorrow.
I have always facilitated Deputies to the best of my ability.
The Taoiseach has to appear tomorrow. I presume he will answer other questions then.
If I call a question, I will facilitate Members in putting reasonable supplementary questions.
