Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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12. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will report on his visit to Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19158/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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A total of 19 Ministers visited 21 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia for a series of trade, investment and tourism focused programmes during March as part of the Government's St. Patrick's Day programme, Promote Ireland. I travelled to Toronto in Canada in March as part of that programme. The focus of my visit was on enhancing the cultural and trade links between Ireland and Canada. My engagements included an Ireland-Canada Chamber of Commerce business event with Enterprise Ireland, a promotional event with the Irish Dairy Board, several meetings with Irish centres in Canada focusing on Irish heritage, Irish community projects and the Irish language, and an appearance on Canadian national television. My visit also encompassed the St. Patrick's Day parade and a visit to the Irish Canadian Club of Hamilton. I also inaugurated the greening of Niagara Falls, where I was accompanied by Mr. Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland. In addition, I had the opportunity to visit the Irish Park, Éireann Quay, and mass graves of victims of the Great Irish Famine.

The value of exports from Ireland to Canada increased by 24% in 2012. The Government is committed to promoting further growth in trade and cultural links between Ireland and Canada, as this is clearly of immense importance to the economy.