Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her proposed itinerary for St. Patrick's week celebrations; the areas and countries involved and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6632/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I will be visiting Paris to attend St. Patrick's Day celebrations there from 14-19 March. Full details of my programme have yet to be finalised but I have a range of engagements with Irish community, cultural and business leaders and a planned meeting with the French Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Rural Affairs.

The Minister of State, Deputy Browne, will be attending St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Enniscorthy. The Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, will be attending celebrations in Edinburgh and Glasgow from 17-19 March and, while there, will have a number of engagements with Irish community and business leaders. He will meet also with the Scottish Minister for the Environment and Rural Affairs.

In consultation with other Departments and relevant State agencies, the Department of Foreign Affairs will co-ordinate briefing for Ministers representing the Government at St. Patrick's Day celebrations overseas. As in previous years, such briefing will cover a wide range of issues with a view to maximizing the unique promotional opportunities offered by these events and to dealing with issues of mutual interest to Ireland and the State being visited.