Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
125. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what initiatives his Department’s embassies are taking to gain international recognition of St. Brigid’s Day, with a particular reference to the 1,500th anniversary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3744/24]
View answerIreland's embassies and consulates undertake a wide range of diplomatic activities as part of their work to maintain Ireland's positive international profile and to support issues and initiatives which are of particular interest to us.
In that context, Ireland's diplomatic network has been to the fore in efforts in recent years to raise awareness of St. Brigid's Day and to establish the day as an international celebration of Irish women's achievements.
In February 2018, to mark St. Brigid's Day, the Embassy of Ireland in London hosted a celebration of the creativity and achievements of Irish women, which was a resounding success. In the years since, St. Brigid's Day has been celebrated across Ireland's diplomatic network, developing into what is now an annual global programme.
This year is a very special year, being the 1,500th anniversary of the death of St. Brigid, and that will be reflected in the celebratory events being organised by our missions. While my Department provides funding, missions themselves, often working with State agencies and other local partners, devise the events, missions being best placed to judge what is most suitable in their host countries.
So far this year, my Department has confirmed funding for over 60 events, hosted by 51 of our missions, with others expected to be added to that list in the run up to St. Brigid's Day. Included in those events are panel discussions, cultural performances, mentoring sessions and exhibitions, to name just a few.
The list of participating missions confirmed to date is:
Abu Dhabi
Abuja
Addis Ababa
Atlanta
Austin
Beijing
Berlin
Berne
Boston
Brasilia
Brussels
Budapest
Cairo
Canberra
Cardiff
Chicago
Copenhagen
Edinburgh
Frankfurt
Holy See
Helsinki
Hong Kong
Jakarta
Lisbon
London
Luxembourg
Lyon
Madrid
Mexico
Miami
Mumbai
Nairobi
New York
Nicosia
Ottawa
Paris
Prague
Rabat
Riga
Santiago
Stockholm
Strasbourg
Sydney
The Hague
Tokyo
Toronto
Valetta
Vienna
Vienna OSCE
Warsaw
Wellington.
