Taoiseach Visits Silicon Valley Ahead Of St Pats Day

The Taoiseach's tour of the US continues today with a meeting of technology entrepreneurs in California’s Silicon Valley.

This morning, Brian Cowen's heavy schedule begins with a meeting of senior executives from leading US multinational companies who have successful investments in Ireland.

The Taoiseach will then meet Irish businesses who are successfully doing business in the United States, before addressing a major business lunch in Silicon Valley.

A spokesman said he would focus on the Government’s economic recovery plan, with a particular emphasis on the smart economy and the implementation of the report of the Government’s Innovation Taskforce.

He will also stress the firm action that has been taken to stabilise the public finances, reduce the deficit and restore and reform the banking system.

Yesterday the Taoiseach opened a new Irish Innovation Centre in Silicon Valley, launched a new Irish Network in America and met with the President of Stanford University, one of the world's leading higher education institutions.

Later, the Taoiseach will open a new Irish Innovation Centre in Silicon Valley.

Following today's engagements, Mr Cowen will be flying on to Washington DC overnight for a series of political and economic engagements, including a bilateral meeting with President Barack Obama on St Patrick's Day.

(DW/GK)