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Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence to visit France for St Patrick’s Day
The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, begins a six-day visit to France today, Tuesday 11 March. The Minister will visit Paris and Lyon for a programme of engagements marking St Patrick’s Day, including political meetings, trade promotion and community and cultural events.
Ahead of the visit, the Minister said: “My St Patrick’s Day visit to France comes at an important time internationally and at a significant moment in Ireland’s relationship with this key European partner. Ireland and France are strong partners in the EU, the UN and globally, as well as close bilateral partners and neighbours.
“The programme of engagements in Paris and Lyon will allow us to further deepen our political, trade, cultural and people-to-people links, and to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with our dynamic Irish community across France.
“Ireland’s place is at the heart of Europe, and our relationship with France is central to addressing our shared challenges and opportunities. I am delighted to say that this year will also see Ireland and France agree a second bilateral Joint Plan of Action, following the success of the first.”
In Paris, the Minister will meet with his French counterpart, the Minister Delegate for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, to discuss current EU challenges and to review progress under the Ireland-France Joint Plan of Action. The Minister will also meet with OECD Deputy Secretary-General, Fabrizia Lapecorella.
The Minister will attend and deliver remarks at a number of economic, trade and tourism-focused events both in Paris and Lyon in support of the work of the State Agencies. The Minister will also meet with key economic actors and members of the Franco-Irish Chamber of Commerce, NetworkIrlande. In Lyon, the Minister will speak at the Consulate General's St Patrick's Day reception and in Paris, the Minister will open the St Patrick’s Family Day at the Centre Culturel Irlandais.
