Minister Creed embarks on St Patrick's itinerary to Portugal and Spain. Focusing on Brexit, trade and diaspora

16 March 2019


On Saturday, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed T.D., 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.

 

Note for editors:

Minister’s Itinerary Highlights

Portugal and Spain 16-20 March 2019

Portuguese Itinerary:

Sunday 17 March 2019

  • Patrick’s Day Cultural Event at Dramático Rugby Stadium, Cascais
  • Visit Cristo Rei statue
  • St Patrick’s Day dinner – Festival organisers, Business Network and key personnel in the Irish community

Monday 18 March 2019

  • Attends Agri-Fish Council meeting in Brussels

Spanish Itinerary:

Tuesday 19 March 2019

  • Visit seafood and meat markets (meet traders and see Irish produce)
  • Visit Spanish cattle dealer’s yard that imports Irish cattle
  • St Patrick’s Day reception
  • Meeting Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchadas

 ENDS

Original Press Release, click here.