I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 99 together.
The Department of Education and Science's international section provides national co-ordination for all matters relating to Ireland's involvement in UNESCO. The Minister of Education and Science normally represents Ireland at the UNESCO General Conference, which is held in Paris every two years, and addresses the Plenary Assembly.
As part of its co-ordination role, the Department of Education and Science consults, where appropriate, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other Departments. The Irish Ambassador in Paris is this country's permanent representative to UNESCO.
The Department of Education and Science acts as the secretariat of the Irish National Committee for UNESCO and calls meetings of the committee. The committee usually has a plenary meeting once a year. Other meetings are called as the need arises. It met on 20 May 1999 and on 9 September 1999. The 9 September meeting was attended by representatives of my Department. I understand that the Department of Education and Science proposes to call a plenary meeting for 2000, to take place in December of this year.