St Patrick's Day - A unique day for promoting Ireland abroad
St. Patrick's Day is a uniquely global event. For a number of days each year St Patrick's Day generates a distinct focus on Ireland. In deciding on Ministerial travel commitments for St.Patrick's Day, the Government sought to ensure that we used this opportunity to promote Ireland as a business and tourism destination. In considering attendance by Ministers at St. Patrick's Day functions overseas, it has also been necessary to take account of EU Presidency related commitments during the period this year.
A number of priority locations have been chosen, particularly on the basis of economic and trade criteria. Particular priority has been given to Ireland's top export markets. In addition to major markets, a number of locations in emerging markets were also chosen on the basis of their future trade and earnings potential in certain sectors.
Government Ministers will celebrate St. Patrick's Day amongst Irish communities around the World. Every year the Irish Government receives a large volume of requests to attend St. Patrick's Day celebrations. This year is no different, with a record number of Irish communities requesting the attendance of a Government representative at their annual festival.
"Attending St. Patrick's Day celebrations affords Irish Ministers the opportunity to maintain and strengthen our links with Irish people throughout the world", the Taoiseach said.
The Taoiseach Mr. Bertie Ahern will travel to Washington where he will meet with President George W Bush before travelling to Ottawa for the EU/Canada Summit.
9th March 2004
ENDS
A list of Irish Government representatives attending St.Patrick's events abroad is attached
China
Tanaiste Mary Harney
United States
Government Chief Whip Mary Hanafin - Boston
Minister Michael Smith - Chicago
Minister Dermot Ahern - Atlanta/Savannah
Minister Micheal Martin - San Francisco
Minister Eamon O Cuiv - New York/Philadelphia
Minister Of State Noel Ahern - Texas/Louisiana
Britain
Minister John O'Donoghue - London
Minister Joe Walsh Birmingham
Senator Mary O'Rourke - Scotland
Europe
Minister Mary Coughlan - Italy
MoS Pat "The Cope" Gallagher - Sweden & Norway
MoS Ivor Callely - Hungary & Romania
MoS Tim O'Malley- Czech Republic & Bulgaria
MoS Tom Parlon - Belgium & Netherlands
Attorney General - France
MoS Noel Treacy - Russia
Japan
Minister Noel Dempsey
South Africa
Minister Michael McDowell
Malaysia & Hong Kong
Minister of State Dick Roche
Singapore
Minister of State Jim McDaid
Saudi Arabia
Minister of State Frank Fahey
Australia
Minister of State Tom Kitt
New Zealand
Minister of State Liam Aylward