§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what occasions Mary McAleese, the President of the Republic of Ireland, has visited the United Kingdom; what was the purpose of each visit: and into which category of visit each fits. [HL5281]
§ The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)Since her inauguration in 1997, President McAleese has visited the United Kingdom on 74 occasions. Forty-nine of these visits have been categorised as working or working/private visits. The remaining visits have been categorised as private visits. We understand that the President of Ireland has also carried out a number of other private visits, on which Her Majesty's Government do not keep records.
These visits have taken place at President McAleese's own instigation, by invitation of a third party or for personal reasons. During these visits, engagements have included visiting a number of schools and colleges in Northern Ireland; receiving an honorary degree from the University of Nottingham; attending the opening of the Long Tower Centre in Londonderry; opening the Research Institute for Irish/Scottish Studies in Aberdeen; a private lunch with HM The Queen; and Henley Royal Regatta.