Taoiseach leads trade delegation to Saudi Arabia

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is leading a high-level trade delegation to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates this week in an effort to boost business ties between Ireland and the Middle Eastern kingdoms.

Scores of Irish companies are taking part in the mission in an effort to drum up new contracts in the region.

Minister for Trade Micheál Martin, Minister for Education Mary Hanafin and Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan are also part of the delegation.

They are expected to sign a number of agriculture, investment and education agreements during the trip, which has been organised by Enterprise Ireland.