The Taoiseach is to meet President Clinton in Washington next month. He will be there from March 13th to 15th and then travel to Newfoundland for an official two day visit.

Mr Noel Dempsey (FF, Meath) suggested that in the current situation it would be even more important for the Taoiseach to spend a longer period in the United States so that he could be there for St Patrick's Day.

Mr Bruton said he would meet all the major political leaders in the US during his visit to Washington. It was always difficult to a balance how much time to spend out of the country.

He recalled that he had to curtail his last visit to Canada, and he was anxious, in view of the large Irish connection with Newfoundland, to continue it.