Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 March 2018
82. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the consideration that was given to assisting Ireland in relation to Brexit in the St Patrick's Day ministerial visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14548/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSt. Patrick’s Day provides Ireland with an unparalleled opportunity to promote our political and economic interests abroad, as well as access to key political and business contacts in leading markets around world. Recommendations for Ministerial travel over the 2018 St. Patrick’s Day period were based on input from our Team Ireland network of diplomatic missions and state agency offices overseas, in addition to consultation with Departments and Agencies at home on where Ministerial visits would have most significant added value in promoting Ireland’s interests internationally. The Taoiseach, Government Ministers, Chief Whip and I travelled overseas during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day period to promote Ireland and Ireland’s interests around the globe. The Attorney General, Ceann Comhairle and Cathaoirleach of the Seanad also participated in the ‘Promote Ireland’ programme of St. Patrick’s Day visits. In total, the programme of visits encompassed 38 countries, including 26 cities across the EU.
The majority of the destinations chosen in 2018 were priority markets for Ireland’s trade, tourism and investment interests, where a high-level political presence reinforced the year-round promotional efforts of our diplomatic teams and state agencies in market. Ministerial visits to the EU were prioritised in 2018 given the importance of building strategic alliances in the context of Phase II of the Brexit negotiations and, looking forward, a post-Brexit European Union. Three Ministers also travelled to the UK to continue to build on the very important British Irish relationship. Ministerial programmes provided an opportunity to explore market diversification possibilities for Irish companies.
A set of key messages, including extensive material on Brexit, was provided to Ministers and the Embassy network in advance of St. Patrick’s Day, to ensure a coordinated and coherent approach to our overseas engagement.
In addition to Brexit, this year’s St. Patrick’s Day programme provided a platform for Ministers to deliver key messages on Northern Ireland, Ireland’s campaign to become a member of the UN Security Council in 2021-22 and the Irish economy.
