Vol. 531 No. 4
208 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science if he plans to be out of the country for St. Patrick's Day 2001; if so, the location to which he will be going; and the length of time he will be out of the country. [6101/01]
I have accepted an invitation from my counterpart, the Minister for Education of Malaysia, YB Tan Sri Dato' Musa Bin Mohamed, to pay an official visit to Malaysia. During my visit we will conclude discussions commenced on the occasion of the visit of the Malaysian Minister to Ireland in October 2000, with a view to signing a memorandum of understanding between our two Departments. The memorandum will provide for the strengthening and formalising of existing education co-operation between our two countries through provision, inter alia, for exchanges of academic staff, teachers, experts and students on programmes that will be of mutual benefit to both countries; exchange of information in areas of mutual interest; academic scholarships; and the promotion of bilateral programmes with institutions in both countries.
Arrangements are also being made for a meeting with Prime Minister Mahathir. In addition, I will be visiting schools, universities and other educational institutions. I will also be representing the Government at the St. Patrick's Society annual ball on 17 March in Kuala Lumpur.
