Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025
646. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will report on her visit to London for St. Patrick's Day; the meetings she attended, the issues that were discussed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13401/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinister Foley travelled to London on a five-day trip as part of the government’s series of St. Patrick’s Day visits, below is a report of the meetings she attended and the issues discussed.
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Annual CHAMP Reception |
The Minister attended and spoke at the annual CHAMP St. Patrick’s Day reception in Westminster on Wednesday 12th March. This is the annual gathering of the not-for-profit organization which promotes peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland, and throughout Ireland and Britain. |
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Meeting with Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP |
Minister Foley met with SoS Phillipson on Thursday 13th March to discuss the shared challenges in both countries, including providing more early years and childcare places, reducing childcare costs for parents and other key issues relative to the Early Years sector. In particular there was discussion around the proposed use of vacant classrooms in schools as childcare space in the UK. |
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Irish Embassy St. Patrick’s Day Press & Political Reception |
Minister Foley attended this reception on the 13th March and discussed the inaugural UK-Ireland Summit, hosted by PM Starmer with the Taoiseach in Liverpool. There was also discussion around Ireland and the UK’s shared responsibilities as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, and maintaining close relationships with Northern Irish Ministerial counterparts.The Minister also noted the immense contributions the Irish diaspora have had in Britain over the course of generations, and the deep-rooted connections between our counties that have sprung up as a result. |
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Meeting Mother & Baby Home Survivors at the London Irish Centre, Camden |
Minister Foley visited the London Irish Centre on Thursday 13th March. She heard about the ongoing work the centre does in supporting the Irish community in London. She also met with staff of the Centre’s Survivors Integrated Service, who support survivors of institutional abuse in Ireland that now reside in London. |
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St. Patrick’s Day Community Reception in Irish Embassy |
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Visit to the Irish Cultural Centre (ICC), Hammersmith |
Minister Foley visited the Irish Cultural Centre on 14th March. She was provided with an update of their ongoing cultural projects, in this their 30th year in existence. |
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Cultural Reception to celebrate the life of Edna O’Brien |
On Friday, Minister Foley attended a reception to celebrate the life of renowned Irish Novelist Edna O’Brien who passed away, in London in July 2024. She did not speak at this event. |
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Meeting with Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan |
This was a very short introduction, prior to the Minister and the Mayor marching at the head of the SPD Parade together on Sunday 16th March. They had a brief opportunity to discuss the importance of the Irish community in London. |
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St. Patrick’s Day Festival Ball |
The Minister gave very short, informal remarks praising the UK Irish community and thanking the Ambassador for inviting her to be the guest of honour at the SPD Festival Ball on the 15th March. |
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Remarks on stage at Trafalgar Square |
The visit culminated Sunday 16th March, with the Minister joining the exciting festivities along the St. Patrick’s Day Parade route in London and addressing the Irish Festival at Trafalgar Square, where there were family concerts, performances by youth groups, community choirs, dance troupes and more. |
