Alan Kelly
Ceist:126. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the dates in 2024 where the Irish Consul General based in Manchester, UK met the lord mayor of Newcastle, UK, in tabular form. [28939/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 4 July 2024
Ceisteanna (126)
Freagraí scríofa
Since Ireland's Consulate General was established in Manchester, North of England, in 2021, the Consul General and Vice Consul have engaged extensively with a wide range of figures from across the region to strengthen political, commercial, community and cultural ties between Ireland and the North of England. These ties are significant, as was evidenced by President Higgin’s recent visit to Manchester to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester. The Consulate continues to be a physical testament to the importance that the Irish Government places on the relationship with the North of England, and to our ambitions for the relationship between Britain and Ireland.
The Consul General has not met with the Lord Mayor of Newcastle in 2024 to date. The Vice Consul participated in St Patrick’s Day events in Newcastle organised by the local Irish community on 17 March, alongside the Lord Mayor and the Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, but did not hold a formal meeting with the Lord Mayor. As the Deputy will be aware, the Lord Mayor of Newcastle is an honorary position which changes on a yearly basis.
An official meeting took place with the Lord Mayor of Newcastle in May 2022. The Consul General also met with the Mayor of North of Tyne in 2021 and 2022. This office has now been reformed and expanded to that of the Mayor of the North East.