Press release
Minister Creed embarks on St Patrick's itinerary to Portugal and Spain
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
On Saturday, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed TD, will travel to Portugal and Spain as part of the annual series of Irish Government engagements to mark St Patrick’s Day.
Speaking in advance, Minister Creed stressed the significance of the itinerary against the backdrop of Brexit:
"The St Patrick’s Day festival, now celebrated globally, offers a unique opportunity for the Irish Government in promoting Ireland on an international stage, renewing the strong bonds that exist between Ireland with both Portugal and Spain and fostering business relationships against an overall backdrop of celebrating the global Irish abroad and their achievements all over the world. I look forward to seeing the Cristo Rei statue which is participating in the Global Greening initiative.
"In the context of the UK possibly leaving the EU on the 29 March, the Irish Government remain firmly of the view that the best way to ensure an orderly withdrawal and protect the Good Friday Agreement and the integrity of the Single Market is to ratify the Withdrawal Agreement. Due to the uncertainty, my itinerary takes on an important added dimension. My political meetings and trade promotion events will be marked by the government’s firm intention to secure and strengthen our markets for Irish agri-food products outside the UK."
Minister Creed’s will focus on comprehensive programme of Irish community, cultural, political and promotional activities in Portugal.
Minister Creed’s priorities during the visit to Spain include a bilateral meeting with Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchadas and meeting a cattle dealer who has been importing Irish cattle for more than 20 years.
ENDS
Sunday 17 March 2019
Monday 18 March 2019
Tuesday 19 March 2019