Happy St Patrick’s Day
Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit
The newly appointed Minister of State at the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, with responsibility for the Irish Diaspora and the Irish Overseas, has provided the below message for the members of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus, including his thanks for
“Your work in representing Ireland in America is something we are truly grateful for……… thank you again for your friendship and for your support for Ireland. Happy St Patrick’s Day to you and to your constituents, be they Irish or otherwise.”
As Minister for the Diaspora, or Irish Abroad, it is my honour to wish you all a very
happy St Patrick’s Day.
St Patrick’s Day provides us in Ireland, and the Irish across the world, as well as those with an affinity with our island, an opportunity to celebrate our heritage, our global links, our culture, our music and our people, right across the world.
The links Ireland and America share are so deep, both cultural and economic.
From the Irish American soldiers who fought in the American War of Independence, the thousands of Irish people who sought a safe haven in America during Ireland’s famine, the hundreds of thousands of Irish people who travel to America each year for leisure, to visit their family and to enjoy its rich culture, to the Irish who continue to make America their home, be it for a Summer holiday or for an opportunity to work abroad, our links are vast and they are ever-evolving.
The Irish American community is one that we here in Ireland are very proud of; you are vital in keeping Ireland’s voice alive around the world, keeping our culture alive and crucially, sharing it with others who may never have the opportunity to visit our island.
St Patrick’s Day affords us an opportunity to reflect on the evolving relationship between our two nations. Ireland is proud to share not only our people with America, but also our economic investment. Ireland is the sixth largest source of foreign investment in America, and the third largest in the European Union. The top ten Irish employers in America now employ over 115,000 people. Our relationship is significant and it is mutually beneficial.
We value American investment in Ireland, we value the jobs it creates and the communities they support in every corner of our island. This is an aspect of our relationship that Ireland is keen to expand over the coming years, and this St Patrick’s Day, with ten Irish Government Ministers visiting America, is an opportunity for us to do so.
Not only is Irish culture alive in America, with NFL and College Football games coming to Ireland, we are happy and proud to host your own sporting culture in Ireland. Not only do these events bring huge economic benefits to Ireland, it allows the American community living here to have a taste of home. Having played American Football myself here in Ireland for many years, the College Football Classic is a standing event in my own diary.
America has long been a good friend to Ireland, as I hope Ireland has been in return. The help many of you have provided to the Irish living in your communities, many who may have gone through tumultuous periods on their own journey, has not gone unnoticed.
It is truly heartening to see that the American Irish State Legislators Caucus continues to thrive. I know many of you have visited Ireland, perhaps explored your own personal connections to our Island, and to those of you who may not have, allow me to extend an invitation for you to visit us. Your work in representing Ireland in America is something we are truly grateful for.
In conclusion, thank you again for your friendship and for your support for Ireland. Happy St Patrick’s Day to you and to your constituents, be they Irish or otherwise.
Neale Richmond
Minister of State with Responsibility for International Aid and Diaspora
Department of Foreign Affairs
Ireland
