Minister to meet US politicians in Washington DC

Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan will meet senior US politicians today as he continues his four-day fact-finding visit to the country.

The Government specifically purchased carbon credits to offset the carbon dioxide emissions caused by the Green Party TD’s transatlantic flights to and from New York.

The Minister will today hold a key meeting in Washington with US Representative Ed Markey, chairman of the House Sub-Committee for Telecoms.

Mr Ryan will also hold talks with Deputy US Co-ordinator for Multilateral Affairs at the State Department, Dick Beaird.

Meetings with representatives from Global Telecom and research think-tank, Resources for the Future are also on the agenda.

The Minister, who also has responsibility for communications, began his intensive visit in New York on Tuesday. He later travelled by train to Washington.

He is due to return to Ireland tomorrow evening following further engagements.