Joe Higgins
Ceist:146. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit to Boston; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31783/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 2 July 2013
Ceisteanna (146)
Freagraí scríofa
I visited Boston from 18 to 20 May following an invitation from Fr. William Leahy, President of Boston College to receive an honorary degree in Law and to deliver the Commencement Address at the Boston College 2013 Graduation ceremony. I was pleased to accept the honorary degree and deliver the Commencement Address on behalf of the Irish people on Monday May 20.
On the Monday morning, I addressed a business breakfast organised by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland and attended by senior executives from a range of companies with business interests in Ireland and in the US. I highlighted the strengths of Ireland as a location in which to do business and for companies looking to internationalise or expand their existing geographical footprint.
I also addressed the annual Commencement Eve Dinner at the college on Sunday May 19, along with a number of other guests who were also receiving honorary degrees.
I was invited as the guest of honour at a dinner on Saturday May 18 at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library to mark the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s visit to Ireland in 1963.
I also visited the memorial site of the Boston Marathon Bombings at Copley Square along with Commissioner of Police Edward Davis, where I placed a floral tribute as a gesture of respect to the dead and injured.