Ministers Leave for St. Patrick's Celebrations

Seventeen of our Ministers and Ministers of State will visit twelve countries over the coming days. From Britain to New Zealand.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny will visit four US cities, with the traditional giving of the shamrock to the US president. Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore won't be far in Canada. Joan Burton, Richard Bruton, Jimmy Deenihan and Frances Fitzgerald will also travel to the US.  Leo Varadkar, Micheal Ring and Dinny McGinley will visit different cities in Britain. Michael Noonan heads to France. Pat Rabbitte will go to Italy. Simon Coveney will visit the Benelux countries. Paul Kehoe heads to Germany, John Perr will visit Scandinavia. Brendan Howlin will visit Singapore and Alan Shatter will visit Australia and New Zealand.

Former Progressive Democrat's leader Ciaran Cannon will visit China in his role as Minister for State for Training and Skills. 

The government views this as a chance to promote Irish across the world. Some of their itineraries include meeting with the diaspora, foreign press, ministerial counterparts and St. Patrick's Day Festivals.

Minister for Heritage Jimmy Deenihan commented: “St Patrick’s Day is the ideal time to celebrate and share with the world the evolving imagination, intelligence and innovation of Irish creative talent. While Irish artists are supported year round by my Department’s Culture Ireland, this time of year, when there is a global focus on all things Irish, offers a real opportunity to highlight our creative talent and our artistic reputation on the world stage. I hope that the rich cultural potential and profile of our national day will continue to grow in the years to come.”