Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 129: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, following his meeting with Irish LGBT groups in New York in March 2011, if he will refrain from sending a representative to attend the Ancient Order of Hibernians' New York St. Patrick's Day parade until the ban on participation of Irish LGBT groups is lifted; if he will instead send a representative to one of the inclusive St. Patrick's Day parades that take place in New York, for example in Queens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13693/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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On two occasions last year, I held very useful meetings in New York with representatives from the Irish American Lesbian and Gay community about a range of issues of concern to them. I agreed to stay in touch regarding these matters as well as the ongoing effort to resolve issues surrounding participation by the Gay and Lesbian community in the New York St Patrick's Day Parade. As a result of my meetings with them, the Minister of State for responsibility for equality, Ms Kathleen Lynch T.D. represented the Government this year at the St. Pat's for All parade and associated events. This parade is an inclusive event that welcomes the participation of LGBT groups and all those who wish to celebrate Ireland and it took place in Queens, New York on Sunday 4th March. This is the first time that there has been ministerial attendance at this event and sends a clear signal of our support for the inclusive nature of the event.

As in previous years, the Government will be represented at the Fifth Avenue St. Patrick's Day parade as a gesture of acknowledgement and support for the many Irish-American groups who participate in, attend and support the parade. My Department, through the Consulate General in New York, will also continue to liaise with Irish-American LGBT groups in their efforts to resolve the issue of their participation in this parade.