Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Ministers that will travel for St. Patrick's Day events worldwide; the country or city each Minister will be visiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9660/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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St. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests overseas, with levels of publicity and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country. Ministerial visits around this period are organised to ensure that we use this exposure to maximise the promotion of Ireland’s trade, promotion and investment interests and to spread a positive message about Ireland’s economic recovery.

The programme of ministerial travel is drawn up by the Trade and Promotion Division of my Department in consultation with the Embassy network and the state agencies. The final programme is close to being concluded and it will be announced shortly.