Clare government representatives are defending the decision to send the largest ever delegation overseas this St. Patrick’s Day.
In total, 36 representatives of the state will engage with partner governments and Irish communities in 74 cities across 44 countries.
This year’s St. Patrick’s Day programme will see the largest contingent of state representatives travel abroad for the national holiday, with the coalition leaders heading to the US, Singapore and China.
This St Patrick’s Day will mark ‘100 Years of Ireland in the World’, acknowledging the centenary of Ireland’s joining the League of Nations, the fiftieth anniversary of our accession to the then EEC, and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
Clare’s government representatives say the cost to the tax-payer in funding these trips is ‘exceptional value for money’.
Clare’s Fine Gael Senator insists the level of foreign direct investment from large multinational companies would not be possible without the building of relationships during St. Patrick’s Day trips abroad.
Ennistymon-based Senator Martin Conway, believes this year’s trips are even more important given the job cuts in the tech sector.
Clare’s Fianna Fail Senator is adamant that the same benefits to Ireland’s economy would not be seen if foreign dignitaries were invited here.
Refuting the argument that Ministers could remain in Ireland and invite international leaders to celebrate the holiday in Ireland instead, Senator Timmy Dooley, says the same level of global media coverage would not be extended.
Mountshannon-based Senator Dooley, says it’s a simple principle of business to go to chase new markets, rather than wait in hope for opportunities to come to us.
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