Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
986. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he or his Department have given any gifts to visiting dignitaries; if he will provide a breakdown of the detail and the value of these gifts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41154/22]
View answerIt is standard international practice, usually by prior mutual agreement, to exchange small, modestly valued, representative gifts between Ministers and visiting dignitaries during ministerial and other high-level visits. On occasion, as per international custom, the Minister for Foreign Affairs may present a gift in order to reciprocate one received from a counterpart.
The exchange of gifts can provide a platform to promote Irish craftsmanship and goods internationally, which in turn helps promote strengthened economic and cultural links between the countries involved. Such gifts are of nominal value and are purchased on basis of the most economically advantageous cost savings arrangements and value for money. A decision is made on the type and value of the item to be presented to ensure it respects the culture of the recipient and ethics requirements of public office holders. The list of suppliers of such token gifts is kept under regular review to ensure quality and value.
The Department maintains a working list of gifts given to visiting dignitaries. Three such gifts were given by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to foreign dignitaries visiting Ireland in the period from January 2022 to date – a set of cufflinks, a Jerpoint Glass vase and a Bernadette Madden silk scarf. All three items had a price range from €35.00 to €55.00
