Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposed itinerary for the St. Patrick's week celebrations; the areas and countries involved and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6633/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am scheduled to visit Argentina on behalf of the Government for the St. Patrick's week celebrations. A full itinerary of events is being finalised for my visit. My proposed itinerary includes meeting members of the Argentinian Government and legal figures, such as the Minister for Justice of Argentina, the Lord Mayor and the Justice Minister of Buenos Aires.

I am attending the St. Patrick's Day Commemoration hosted by the Federation of Irish Societies where I look forward to meeting members of the Irish community as well as members of the Argentinian business community. I will also be addressing the Centro Argentino de Relaciones Internacionales. Finally, I am scheduled to meet Irish NGOs operating in Argentina.

Let me assure the Deputy that I intend to take full advantage of my visit to Argentina to promote Ireland as a vibrant modern democracy, an attractive tourist destination, and a country with a vibrant economy that offers attractive business opportunities.

The Minister of State, Deputy Frank Fahey, is scheduled to visit Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia for the St. Patrick's week celebrations. His itinerary, which is being finalised, includes meetings with representatives of the ministries of Slovenia and Croatia, and a visit to Irish soldiers based at Camp Tuzla.