Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 342: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her proposed itinerary for St. Patrick's week celebrations; the areas and countries involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6634/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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It is my intention to visit New York and Philadelphia. My itinerary has not been finalised yet but it includes the following engagements: Parades in New York and Philadelphia; ICCUSA business breakfast; Tourism Ireland event in Philadelphia; Irish Chamber Orchestra debut performance, Carnegie Hall; Ireland — US Council lunch; Top 100 event in New York; Mayor's breakfast, New York; Governor's breakfast, New York; lunch, Knights of St. Patrick, New York; interview with the Irish Radio Network, New York; and the Jerry McCabe breakfast, John Jay College, New York.

The Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy de Valera, is accompanying President McAleese to Japan and Korea. The schedule for this visit can be obtained from the President's office. The Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has agreed to represent the Government at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Birmingham on 13 March 2005. The parade commences at 12 noon. The Minister of State, Deputy Lenihan, will also attend mass at St. Anne's Church in the Irish quarter at 9.30 a.m. The Department of Foreign Affairs is coordinating briefing for all Ministers representing Ireland abroad during St. Patrick's week. Deputies de Valera, Lenihan and I are conscious of the excellent opportunity that St. Patrick's week events provides for Ministers to showcase Irish culture, to meet with representatives of the Irish community and to promote Ireland's economic interests abroad.