THE GOVERNMENT will use St Patrick’s Day to send a message to global markets that Ireland has a clear and comprehensive strategy for dealing with the economic crisis, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said last night.
While the number of Ministers travelling abroad has been reduced by half, due to the economic crisis, Mr Cowen insisted on the importance of the occasion for Ireland’s image internationally.
“This St Patrick’s Day, the Government will be sending a message that Ireland has a clear and comprehensive strategy for dealing with the impact of the economic crisis . . . and that we are preparing to take advantage of the international recovery when it comes,” said Mr Cowen.
The Taoiseach added that the world needed to be informed about the steps being taken to address the problems facing the country.
“We are addressing the banking situation in order to restore . . . confidence and get credit flowing.
“We are attacking the gap in our public finances by increasing revenue and cutting spending, in a planned way, over the next five years.
“We are protecting as many jobs as we can . . . and we are investing in those who are out of work so that they can return to employment as soon as possible,” he said.
Mr Cowen added that Ireland’s future prosperity depended on nurturing the country’s priceless global connection in order to help a return to economic growth. “St Patrick’s Day provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to achieve this.”
He acknowledged that there were concerns about the cost of the ministerial missions for the day.
“I know that some people question the value of these trips . . . but St Patrick’s Day gives Ireland a global platform that is the envy of practically every country in the world.
“It gives us an unparalleled opportunity to send out a positive message about Ireland and to inform political and business leaders, trading and investment partners and the international media about how we are tackling the current challenges,” he said.
The Taoiseach added that the day also provided an opportunity to recognise the contribution of Ireland’s emigrant communities globally.
“Many millions of Irish were forced to leave home by economic conditions far worse than anything we are experiencing today . . . In this regard, I and other colleagues travelling to the US will be drawing particular attention to the plight of the undocumented.”
The Taoiseach will meet President Obama at the White House in Washington to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
The key elements of the programme will be the traditional presentation of the shamrock by the Taoiseach to Mr Obama and a meeting between the two that is expected to focus on the global crisis. Mr Cowen will also attend a lunch on the day at Capitol Hill, hosted by Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.
He will also deliver an address on the development of bilateral relations, expanding on a report by Ireland’s Ambassador to the US, Michael Collins.
There will also be a trade mission involving more than 100 Irish exporters and meetings with US political and business leaders are scheduled. Mr Cowen’s visit to the US will be complemented by a series of ministerial missions to other US cities, as well as other international locations. All programmes will emphasise a strong economic agenda.
The Government has instructed all departments to ensure that costs are kept to a minimum. The total cost will be considerably less than in previous years.