Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I am. I am determined to get there in 2010. I was not in a position to go there last year because of the Lisbon treaty referenda and so on. Relations with Asia are very much about maintaining the political contacts on a regular basis - not on a once off basis and not doing it again for a few years. The Expo has created a problem with the timetable because the Chinese are anxious to keep visits both for and after the Expo. However, I will be going. I concur with the Deputy that it is absolutely essential to optimise and maximise the value that St. Patrick's Day gives us in terms of opening doors, promoting Ireland from food to tourism-----

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