Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ministers posted abroad for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations continue to be successful in promoting Ireland as an attractive investment centre for job creation and modern technology. [13904/23]
View answerSt. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests overseas, with levels of publicity, cultural activity, diaspora engagement, and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country.
Given the economic emphasis underlying each ministerial programme, including my own, the visits help to create jobs in Ireland across a range of sectors, and strengthen the relationship with key established and emerging economic partners. Ministers promoted Ireland as a place in which to invest, with which to trade and do business, as well as to live in, to visit, or to study. Ministers participated in over 971 official events during St Patrick's Day period, 235 of which were dedicated business events or meetings, supporting the objectives of the state agencies, and diaspora business networks.
Existing relationships with key political and business leaders, as well as decision makers are developed and strengthened and cooperation across a wide range of fields, including the economy, trade and investment.
As well as high level political meetings, when I was in New York I met a range of business leaders.
The programme for 2023 built on the success of previous years, delivering strongly on the Government’s objective of engaging with our diaspora, our key partners and friends, and promoting our economy.
