Mr Philippe Maystadt, President of the European Investment Bank and Mr Michael G. Tutty, Vice-President, welcomed Mrs Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, at the EIB at 3:00 pm today.

President McAleese was accompanied by her husband Dr Martin McAleese. The Irish Delegation, paying an official visit to the EU institutions in Luxembourg, Strasbourg and Brussels, also included Mr Dick Roche, Minister of State with special responsibility for European Affairs, Ambassador Anne Anderson and Secretary General Brian McCarthy.

After a private meeting with Mr Maystadt, and a presentation on EIB activities, President McAleese was invited to sign the EIB's Golden Book and to meet the Irish members of EIB staff.