Galway ministers join the St Patrick’s Day jet set
Galway’s two ministers will be among a team of 38 Government representatives who will trot the globe representing Ireland this St Patrick’s Day.
Government Chief Whip, and Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton will travel to Singapore as part of this year’s St Patrick’s Day programme. Last year, the Galway West Fine Gael TD was in Miami and Mexico.
Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Anne Rabbitte will travel to Sweden and Denmark. The Galway East Fianna Fáil TD travelled to South Africa last year.
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will travel to America, visiting the White House in Washington as well as Boston. Tánaiste Micheál Martin visits Canada, taking in Vancouver, Ottawa, and Toronto.
Government said March 17 represents an “unparalleled opportunity to promote Ireland as a great place to visit, work, study, trade with, and invest in”.
This year, 38 representatives of the State, including the Ceann Comhairle and Attorney General will “bring Ireland’s message” to 86 cities in 48 countries.
Government said the theme of St Patrick’s Day this year was “Ireland’s Future in the World”.
“It will highlight the impact and achievements of young Irish and diaspora leaders across the fields of innovation, creativity, community development, business, and academia around the world,” a spokesperson said.
“Ministers will emphasise Ireland’s commitment to international peace and security and the rules-based multilateral system, especially at this time of conflict and turbulence.
“Other key messages will include the strength of Ireland’s economy, our active membership of the European Union, our commitment to protecting the Good Friday Agreement, and the high priority we attach to climate action and sustainability,” the spokesperson added.