Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will be travelling abroad for the St. Patrick's Day festivities; and if so, the location he will be visiting; the functions he will be attending; and the groups he will meet with. [9932/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I will represent the Government in Seattle, Washington, during St. Patrick's week. I will be availing of the excellent opportunities to promote Ireland while in the US by advancing Ireland's economic interests, meeting with influential political representatives and the broad Irish community and engaging in events to showcase Irish culture. While in the US, I will meet with various business, political and Government representatives to exchange views on matters relating to energy and communications policy and other issues of mutual interest.

I have set out a demanding work schedule for the visit to Seattle with a series of business meetings with a range of prominent companies including, among many others, Microsoft, Palm Treo, Verizon, Logitel Corporation, Western Wireless, Speakeasy, Amazon and Starbucks. My itinerary also includes meetings with Senator Erik Poulsen, Senator Lloyd Levine, Senator Martha Escutia, Assemblyman Guy Houston and the Seattle Irish Immigrants Support Group.

I also look forward to meeting the broad Irish community and their representatives through my involvement in the St. Patrick's Day festivities, including the official parade, the Friends of St. Patrick Dinner and the St. Patrick's Day Mass.