Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1: To ask the Taoiseach his views on the benefit, both economically and politically, of the recent visit by the President of the United States of America to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17162/11]

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Question 2: To ask the Taoiseach his view on the benefits, both economically and politically, of the State visit to this country of Queen Elizabeth II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17163/11]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

The visits by Queen Elizabeth II, followed so shortly afterwards by that of the President of the United States, Barack Obama, were remarkable and memorable events for Ireland.

The visit by Queen Elizabeth was a truly historic occasion which marked a further strengthening and maturing of the bilateral relationship between our two countries. As the first visit by a British monarch to this State, the visit by the Queen and the warm welcome she received illustrate just how far we have come as a country at peace in the past number of years. The visit was a major success and was a hugely significant and memorable occasion for all parties.

The visit by the US President, Barack Obama, and the First Lady, Michelle Obama, was a very tangible expression of the warmth and strength of the relationship between our two countries. It allowed us to reaffirm these strong links and to commit ourselves to further strengthening that relationship. It was also a great opportunity to show a positive image of Ireland to the world, building on the images from the historic visit by Queen Elizabeth the previous week.

While it is very hard to quantify in financial terms the full value of these visits, Fáilte Ireland found that the combined visits generated almost 38,000 print and broadcast pieces, worth nearly €300 million in terms of their advertising equivalent and generating positive global exposure for Ireland. the country will benefit long into the future from both visits.

Britain continues to be our largest trading partner, our most important export market and the most important source of tourists to Ireland. There are significant flows of investments in both directions. The continued strength of our relationship is hugely important as we both seek to overcome challenging economic times and look for new opportunities for co-operation to support development and growth across our islands. The historic visit of the queen provided us with a significant opportunity to focus on economic, trade, investment and tourism opportunities with Britain. There was, of course, great international interest in the visit, which sent out very positive messages to the world that Ireland is dealing with its economic difficulties with determination and is open for business.

The visit of the US President underlined the significance of Ireland's ties with the United States, particularly the economic relationship, to our mutual benefit. That relationship supports tens of thousands of jobs, with some 95,000 Irish people employed by US companies in Ireland. Our consistent message to corporate America has been that we are open for further business and investment and working to our particular strengths. The president's visit to Ireland greatly enhanced that message. Ireland could not have received a better endorsement for its future well-being.

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Taoiseach for his comprehensive reply to my questions on what were historical, successful and quite remarkable events of the particular week when Queen Elizabeth and the President of America visited Ireland.

The president's visit reinforced the close bonds and historical links between our two countries now and into the future. More importantly, his visit, though short and not a state visit, gave us global exposure. It was a remarkable occasion in which the Taoiseach played a pivotal and vital role. He said then that Ireland punches above its weight, and he is right. Did the Taoiseach take the opportunity to raise what is for many the sensitive issue of the undocumented Irish in America? Many people and families have struggled for years because of the difficulty with regard to being undocumented and they find themselves trapped because of their circumstances.

With regard to the visit of the queen, the Taoiseach has outlined the positive spin-offs of her visit in promoting our country. The abiding memory I have of her visit is one I did not attend, her visit to the English Market in Cork. That was a remarkable occasion. The Minister for Justice and Equality outlined in the House last week that it is anticipated the cost of the visit will be in the region of €20 million. That cost would not have been quite so high if not for the carry-on of some so-called democratic people who sit in this House.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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May we have a question?

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Some of these take the queen's shilling when it suits them. The Mayor of Cashel, Councillor Michael Browne-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Could the Deputy ask his question, please?

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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May I just have ten more seconds? The mayor said that Tourism Ireland has embarked on a massive marketing campaign in Britain to entice more UK visitors to the Rock of Cashel, on the back of the massive success of the queen's visit.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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May we have a question. We are on Question Time.

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach said that the visit symbolised a healing of the past and a recognition of the two countries having grown together.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I have been very liberal Deputy. Please adhere to the rulings of the Chair.

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach has given a clear indication with regard to the reversal of the travel tax. Has he a timescale on that and when is it proposed to reverse it?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for his comments. I raised the question of the undocumented Irish with President Obama. This issue was discussed at Question Time previously. The president is still hopeful of comprehensive legislation on immigration to the United States. He made the point that it was not purely a Hispanic problem and by travelling to both Ireland and Poland he indicated his wish and desire that the matter of undocumented Irish and other persons would be dealt with. Obviously, there are political difficulties in respect of Capitol Hill and how the balance of political power has changed so much during his tenure of office. In so far as the Government is concerned, we will continue to engage with the American representatives on this sensitive matter which is a growing concern for those Irish directly affected.

The effective date for implementation of the change regarding the travel tax is 1 July. As the Deputy is aware, the Government has decided there will be a zero travel tax. There was much comment from airlines about the possibility of bringing in many extra tourists and visitors to Ireland if the tax was abolished. The tax is zero from 1 July and I hope the airlines and all the agencies will make every effort to get as many people as possible to travel to Ireland for a quality, enjoyable experience. This will be further evidence of the beneficial consequence of the visits of both the Queen of England and the American President. The real benefit will not accrue this year, but in years hence, because the message has gone out that Ireland is a land of 100,000 welcomes, a land where a quality and different experience can be had by tourists and where real value in respect of the hard earned money of taxpayers' from other countries which brings them here to enjoy that experience.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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There is no doubt that both visits were a success and will bring long-term benefits to the country. I am sure the Taoiseach will agree that his predecessor, Brian Cowen, was correct in his decision to move ahead with both visits. Deputy Keating commented on the English Market in Cork. That visit revealed, if revelation was necessary, the unique warmth, conviviality and hospitality of the Cork people. I suggest that any further state visits should include Cork on the itinerary.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Agreed.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I was not slow when Minister for Foreign Affairs to point out the obvious success that would ensue on foot of Queen Elizabeth's visit to the City of Cork. Deputy Keating is welcome to the English Market. It caters for all tastes.

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I go there regularly.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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With regard to the political benefit of President Obama's visit, will the Taoiseach or any member of his Government use some of the goodwill to ask the American Administration about lifting its apparent veto on burning bondholders? Perhaps the Taoiseach can explain the extraordinary reluctance among our political leaders to question anyone in the American Administration about this issue. The Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, when in New York and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, when he met Secretary of State Clinton, all refrained from asking what I would call the Geithner question. Did Timothy Geithner veto the decision to burn the bondholders?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am restrained a bit here.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It would be of great political and economic benefit to the country if that veto was lifted. The Taoiseach should at least ascertain whether the veto exists. I am amazed that no one asks the Geithner question when they meet their counterparts in the American Administration. Did the Taoiseach ask the US Administration about the apparent veto on burning bondholders?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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We dealt with this before. The ECB is an independent organisation and is not subject to the veto of any country. As the Deputy is aware, it is made up of the governors of the central banks of the various countries, and many of these have very different views. The bank is not subject to a veto by the United States or any other country. It is not a matter of a view by Mr. Geithner or by anyone else. The ECB is completely independent in its role and Ireland will begin discussions with it in respect of the sharing of responsibility - I do not like to use the term "burning" - with it in respect of bondholders in Anglo Irish Bank in the autumn, as clearly outlined by the Minister for Finance.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Why do we not ask the question?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am telling the Deputy the answer.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Why do we not ask the American Administration?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should speak through the Chair.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I want an answer to the question.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No. We are not going to spend all day on this question.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Deputy Martin should not worry.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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These are supplementary questions. Deputy Keating asked the questions. We are not to have a long debate on the economy again.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Mine is a supplementary question. Could the Taoiseach explain how we can seriously be expected to believe that the rather vague and ill-defined benefits arising from the visit of President Obama, as outlined by the Taoiseach, outweigh the cost of €20 billion to the Irish people, referred to in this connection, which cost the people are bearing through the closure of hospitals and cuts to special educational needs resources?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should ask a supplementary question.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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I asked a question.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy must not make a statement.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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I am nearly finished.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Others want to contribute and there are more questions.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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I am asking the Taoiseach to explain how the ill-defined benefits of the visit outweigh the alleged cost of €20 billion to the Irish people on foot of US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner's intervention on the question of the bondholders. In the Taoiseach's response to Deputy Martin, he stated the ECB makes the relevant decisions and that the question regarding the intervention by Mr. Geithner is irrelevant. However, the Taoiseach knows-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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He does not know; I am going to ask him to reply.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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-----that if Mr. Timothy Geithner lets his opinion be known on this matter, it carries weight. Is the House not interested in the answer?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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First, the figure is not €20 billion but €20 million.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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It is €20 billion.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is €20 million.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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No, no. The Geithner-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should speak through the Chair.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The cost of the visits of Queen Elizabeth and President Obama is approximately €20 million. When the precise figures become available, we will let the Deputy know what they are conclusively. As I pointed out in the reply to Deputy Keating, the extent of coverage would be in the order of €300 million were one to buy it. The point is that if one does not promote one's country, it will not be to the fore in people's minds. The evidence of the value of the visits of both global personalities will be seen in time to come.

I share Deputy Martin's view on the English Market in Cork. It is a place of vibrant energy. The picture from the market was outstanding and I am sure it is iconic in many ways in that it demonstrates the warmth, hospitality and vigour of the people who work there. They are not afraid to promote the English Market in the rebel county. I commend the Deputy on that.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I was in Cork myself at the weekend.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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That beats answering the Geithner question.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Does Deputy Adams know about the English Market?

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I know a lot; I get my black and white pudding there, but sin scéal eile.

Deputy Keating referred to the political benefits arising from the English Queen's visit. I have a question on this because it concerns the job of the Government. I was in Cork at a united Ireland conference, which was very successful and at which we had a very good discussion. Has the Government raised or has it any plans to raise any of these issues with the British Government beyond the Good Friday Agreement? Particularly on the vexed question of legacy issues, could the Taoiseach report on the progress, if any, on the issue of the British Government's failure thus far to allow access to files on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As I told the Deputy privately and during Question Time in the House, there were a number of very good meetings recently. The North-South Ministerial Council, at which the Deputy's party was represented, the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly and the British-Irish Council all showed enthusiasm and willingness to continue to work in every way possible towards the development of the peace process and the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement.

I do not have any update for the Deputy on access to files other than what we discussed on the last occasion. As I said to Deputy Martin, I will continue to pursue this matter on every occasion that I can.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I asked Deputy Higgins to be brief in asking his supplementary question. We have spent 16 minutes on these questions.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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I will be very brief but the lengthy statement that the Ceann Comhairle allowed Deputy Keating calls for supplementary questions.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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He had two questions tabled so I decided I had to allow him appropriate time.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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I had six yesterday.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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The Taoiseach said the 38,000 articles and other items of publicity concerning the recent visits equated with €300 million in advertising for this State. This amounts to €7,894 per item of publicity. Does the Taoiseach concur that the statement made by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, that caused panic among the sharks in the financial markets and was carried 2,500 times around the world would, on the Taoiseach's figures, equate to €20 million in advertising damaging to his Government?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I do not know how the Taoiseach can answer that.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have no control over the headlines that are carried around the world. All I can say is that coverage of the equivalent of the estimated 30,000 articles covering both visits to this State would cost €300 million were one to acquire it by advertising.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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The Taoiseach should have seen some of the articles.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am not sure what the Deputy is driving at.