Opposition Leader Jenny Shipley will visit Singapore, Ireland and the United States this month on an information-gathering trip to look at policy issues.

The visit will focus on education, taxation, research and development and other issues of mutual interest between New Zealand and the countries she is visiting.

"National is exploring fresh policy options in all these areas and I am looking forward to see what we can learn from these countries," Mrs Shipley said.

"It's important that we expose ourselves to the best of what's going on around the world before we settle on our own policies."

Mrs Shipley will leave New Zealand on Wednesday 18 October on the two-week trip. She will be accompanied by her husband, Burton.

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