Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposed itinerary for St. Patrick's week celebrations and if he will make a statement in the matter [6116/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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Full details of my itinerary for the celebrations surrounding St. Patrick's Day have yet to be finalised. However, the itinerary will include a visit to London to participate at the St. Patrick's Day Festival which commences on 13 March. This festival, which includes a major parade, has become a highlight in the London calendar over recent years. The festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the enormous contribution Irish people have made over many years to London and Britain in general. I will also attend the Mayor's St. Patrick's Day dinner on 12 March.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of departmental staff that travelled to China with the Taoiseach on his recent visit; the result of the visit; the delegations he met or contacted during the visit and the proposals he intends to implement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6119/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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No staff from my Department accompanied the Taoiseach on his recent visit to China.

Tourism Ireland organised two very successful workshops for the tourism trade in Beijing and Shanghai, which were attended by the Taoiseach. In addition, Tourism Ireland has now appointed its first representative in China, based in Shanghai. This representative will be working with both the Chinese and the Irish tourism industries to exploit the opportunities presented by this growing outbound tourism market.