Emmet Stagg
Ceist:87 Mr. Stagg asked the Taoiseach his official engagements abroad in connection with the Saint Patrick's Day festivities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6560/02]
Written Answers. - Ministerial Travel.
Michael Noonan
Ceist:89 Mr. Noonan asked the Taoiseach his plans to travel abroad for Saint Patrick's Day celebrations; the venues to be visited; the planned dates of travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6692/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 89 together.
The programme for my visit to the US has not yet been finalised. However, I expect to depart for Chicago on Monday, 11 March and to speak that evening at the North West University. I expect to fulfil a number of other engagements in Chicago and will depart on the afternoon of Tuesday, 12 March for Washington. On Wednesday, 13 March I expect to attend a meeting of the Economic Advisory Board. Arrangements for other possible meetings in the morning and afternoon have not yet been finalised, and will not be finalised until closer to the time. That evening I will attend the America Ireland Fund dinner, where I am honoured to have been chosen to be the recipient of this year's Peace Award. I will depart Washington on Thursday morning for the European Council meeting in Barcelona.