6 Mar 2012, 14:22
The First Speaker of the Swedish Riksdag, HE Susanne Eberstein has accepted an invitation from Ceann Comhairle, Seán Barrett, TD to lead a parliamentary delegation to Ireland. The visit takes place from (today) 6th to 9th March 2012.
Speaking ahead of the visit the Ceann Comhairle said: “I’m delighted to welcome First Deputy Speaker Eberstein and her delegation to Ireland and Leinster House. During the visit the delegation will have many opportunities to engage with members of the Oireachtas when they attend meetings of some Oireachtas Committees. They will also meet with members of the Cabinet and some Ministers of State.
This visit presents an opportunity to have a full exchange on many issues of mutual importance to both countries. The EU Fiscal Compact and the role of National Parliaments in EU Affairs will be high on the agenda but other issues such as job creation and the social dimensions of the present economic situation are likely to be raised. Our bilateral trade and investment also provides both countries with real opportunities for growth and development.”
In addition to their meeting with the Ceann Comhairle the delegation will also meet and have discussions with:
Senator Paddy Burke, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann
Joint Committee on European Affairs
Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education
Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform
Brendan Howlin, TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
Joan Burton, TD, Minister for Social Protection
Lucinda Creighton, TD, Minister for European Affairs
John Perry, TD, Minister for Small Business
Ends
For further information contact:
Cáit Hayes
Communications Unit
Houses of the Oireachtas
Leinster House
Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Tel: + 353 1 618 3883
Mob: + 353 87 9190300
Notes to the Editor:
· Trade with Sweden in 2010 was worth just over €1.1 billion
· Trade figures for the first three-quarters of 2011 showed significant increases with exports up by 37%
· There are approximately 200 indigenous Irish companies who actively exported to Sweden in 2011
· There are a significant number of Swedish companies located in Ireland employing 1,900 approx people.
· Cultural tourism forms a significant figure of the 80,000 Swedes who visit Ireland