Here is what one Waterford minister got up to on St Patrick’s Day abroad
Minister Butler visits Lisbon Museum
Waterford TD, Government Chief Whip & Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler, travelled to three countries this St Patrick’s Day.
Minister Buter met with officials from Malta, Portugal, and Spain in 20 engagements before heading home for the parades in Portlaw, Dungarvan and Waterford.
While Minister Butler said the local events were the most important, nobody should underestimate the value of the international events.
“We may be a small country of 5 million or so, but the estimated 70 million people around the world with Irish forebears make the Irish diaspora one of the largest of any nation and show our global reach.
Thirty-eight ministers visited more than 50 countries for St Patrick’s week this year to further strengthen our diplomatic, cultural, economic, and historical ties.
By all accounts, we were warmly welcomed the world over, and we should never take our glowing global reputation for granted,” said Minister Butler.
The Minister’s gift of choice to the dignitaries, who welcomed her so warmly, was Waterford Crystal.
Minister Butler’s first visit was to Malta, where she was welcomed by the country’s president, Myriam Spiteri Debono.
In Malta, the minister for state attended the launch of Malta’s first Suicide Reduction Strategy alongside Maltese Minister for Health, Jo Etienne Abela.
“Before we engaged in meetings to discuss Mental Health and general matters relating to health. Malta has one of the lowest numbers of deaths by suicide in the EU, averaging six per 100,000 people. I also enjoyed engagements with officials from service provision for members of the LGBT+ community, as well as those from equality and reform,” said Minister Butler.
In Madrid, Minister Butler was welcomed by Irish Ambassador Brian Glynn for showcases of Irish businesses, tourism and Irish food and beverage companies.
She then met with the Spanish Minister for Health, Mónica Garcia Gómez and the Commissioner for Mental Health, Belén González Callado, to discuss healthcare.
“It was really encouraging to meet so many of the Irish diaspora living in Spain, including descendants of Red Hugh O’Donnell.
“My Spanish visit concluded with a fabulous parade through the centre of the great city of Madrid, where members of An Garda Síochána were featured, as were the St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band, said Minister Butler.
Minister Buter concluded her St. Patrick’s visits in the fabulous city of Lisbon in Portugal wher she was welcomed by Ambassador Alma Ní Quigligh.
She said the city is “home to a large community of Irish diaspora, shares many historical, cultural and academic ties with Ireland”.
“It was very worthwhile to meet with CasaQui, an organisation which works to support victims of violence, particularly those within the LGBT+ community who have suffered trauma or abuse.
“It was very pleasing to visit the Museum dos Condos de Castro Guimares, which had amazing links to the Flight of the Earls and Hugh O’Neill. The shamrock ceiling in the former O’Neill family home, which is now a museum, was breathtaking, said Minister Butler.
