Burke in Massachusetts and New Hampshire for St Patrick’s
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, TD, will travel to the United States for a series of engagements in Boston and Concord to mark St Patrick’s Day this week.
Minister Burke said he looks forward to meeting the Irish community and other stakeholders to celebrate the national day.
“Ireland is a dynamic, competitive and globally connected country and I will be emphasising the importance of our cultural, social, trade and investment relationships,” he said in a statement.
“Boston can be described as the most Irish city in the US – 23% of residents identify themselves as Irish or of Irish descent.
“We have seen in recent decades the thriving business and economic sector here, and there continues to be great opportunities for Irish businesses looking to set up, and for Boston businesses expanding their European bases in Ireland.”
Minister Burke starts his trip with a series of engagements in Boston, including attending the Boston Young Leaders St Patrick’s Day celebration and meeting Massachusetts governor, Maura Healey, at Massachusetts State House.
The minister will travel to Portsmouth and Concord, New Hampshire, where he will have an opportunity to engage with the Republican governor of New Hampshire, Kelly Ayotte. He will attend a lunch hosted by Commissioner for Business and Economic Affairs, Taylor Caswell, where he will meet members of the recently formed Irish Trade Council.
Minister Burke will meet with EI and IDA client companies during his time in New England. He will visit the Irish Pastoral Centre and see the work being done on the ground by their immigration and welfare teams.
On Sunday, Minister Burke will attend the South Boston parade, where he will march with senior political figures. After the parade, he will travel to the Seafood Expo at the Boston Convention Centre and meet Irish companies attending the event.
Minister Burke will conclude his visit with further meetings with EI and IDA clients, prospective companies and will deliver remarks at the Irish American Partnership breakfast.
Robert Troy, Minister of State with special responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, will visit the Czechia.