Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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1059. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide details of all official foreign trips she and Ministers of State in her Department plan to take between now and the end of 2015; if she will provide details of whom she and the Ministers of State in her Department will be meeting on these trips; the purpose of these trips; the duration of these trips; her plans to use all of these trips to promote Ireland as a good place for doing business and as a destination for foreign direct investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20435/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I, and the Ministers of State at my Department, undertake foreign trips from time to time in order to fulfil official duties. Every effort is made to maximise the opportunities that such trips present to promote Ireland and, in that regard, full itineraries are planned in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. At this time, four foreign visits are confirmed for the remainder of 2015.

In July next, I will attend a number of events to mark the 99th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, with particular emphasis on the Irish men and women who suffered and died at that time. The trip will take place over 2 days.

I will also be attending the International Famine Commemoration in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, in October. The International Famine Commemoration is an annual event that recalls the experiences of Irish emigrants who fled the terrible events of the Great Famine. It is also an opportunity to build connections with Irish people living abroad and people of Irish descent and to explore cultural and business links with the host communities. The trip will last approximately 5 days and during this time I expect to meet the Irish Canadian Cultural Association of New Brunswick, community groups and business interests.

In August, Minister of State Joe McHugh will attend the Comhdháil Cois Locha, a gathering of North American teachers and enthusiasts of the Irish language, which is taking place in conjunction with the Milwaukee Irish Fest in Wisconsin, USA. He will also visit the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. The trip will last approximately 5 days and the Minister of State expects to meet members of the Fulbright Commission and the Board of Directors of the Milwaukee Irish Fest.

Also in August, Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin will attend the Edinburgh International Arts Festival, a prestigious event showcasing arts and culture from across the world. The event is supported by the Culture Ireland division of my Department and will be used to promote the work of Irish artists. The trip will run over 2 days and the Minister of State will attend Irish productions at the Festival and liaise with international arts promoters.