Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on his visit to London and Birmingham; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14344/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I visited the U.K. between Wednesday 13th and Sunday 17th March. In addition to leading the London St. Patrick’s Day Parade I used the opportunity to promote Irish interests, to meet with representatives of industry, tourism, the health sector, and Irish cultural and community organisations.

On Wednesday 13th, I visited the Best of British and Irish trade and travel show in Birmingham and met with Irish industry representatives as well as attending a lunch hosted by Tourism Ireland. Also on Wednesday 13th, I met my British counterpart, the Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hunt, M.P., Secretary of State for Health at the Health Innovation Expo as well as attending a business networking event hosted by Enterprise Ireland. On Thursday 14th I continued my visit with another set of meetings with Enterprise Ireland client companies as well as a series of meetings with Irish community organisations. On Friday 15th and Saturday 16th I attended a number of cultural events and further business related networking events. On Sunday 17th after meeting with some more Irish community groups I returned to Dublin after the London Parade. A full itinerary of my trip is available on the Department’s web site.