The President, Mrs McAleese, arrived in Australia yesterday for an official 10-day visit which will include attending St Patrick's Day events.
The President landed in Brisbane where she was guest of honour at a Queensland Irish Association reception. This will be followed by a dinner hosted by the Premier of Queensland, the Hon Peter Beattie
Mrs McAleese will attend functions in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Her engagements will include attending the St Patrick's Day Ball and viewing the parade in Sydney.
The President is accompanied on the visit by her husband, Dr Martin McAleese, secretary-general to the President, Mr Brian McCarthy, the Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey and his wife, Mrs Bernadette Dempsey, the President's special adviser, Ms Eileen Gleeson, executive assistant Ms Grainne Mooney, and Department of Foreign Affairs officials.