CHANCELLOR Helmut Kohl of Germany will be celebrating the sixth anniversary of his country's reunification in Dublin. He arrives on an official visit on Wednesday week and since the following day, October 3rd, is now German National Day, a reception for 1,000 people at the strange time of 11.30 a.m., will be held in the RDS to mark the occasion.
Quidnunc has discovered that, despite the hour, German wines, international spirits and Irish beer will be served and there will be a finger buffet for those who feel they have a long day ahead of them.
Chancellor Kohl will be the guest of the Taoiseach John Bruton and the two will discuss the Irish Presidency of the European Union, EMU and the IGC. There will be a call on President Robinson, a dinner in Dublin Castle and visits to Trinity and Glendalough. A highlight will be the Chancellor's address to the joint houses of the Oireachtas on October 2nd.
Leinster House is newly decorated the EU finance ministers get the first view at dinner there tonight and plans are already being worked out on how to accommodate the large press corps which always accompanies the German leader as well as members of both houses and their guests, distinguished visitors and local media.
As the Dail is planning for Chancellor Kohl, the Seanad is finalising arrangements for an address by EU Transport Commissioner Neil Kinnock towards the end of October.
Last year the upper house decided that notable people from various backgrounds should be invited to speak and former Senator Professor Jim Dooge spoke earlier this year on the IGC. The former British Labour Party leader will speak on our transport problems.
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