merrion street

The Taoiseach will travel to France today to meet with President François Hollande. This will be first bilateral meeting between the two leaders in one of their capitals since President Hollande’s election in May 2012.

The Taoiseach and President Hollande will discuss Eurozone issues, preparations for the Irish EU Presidency and bilateral relations. The meeting forms part of the Taoiseach's ongoing engagement with other EU Leaders and European Heads of Government.

Before his meeting with the French President, the Taoiseach will attend a business event hosted by the Embassy for Enterprise Ireland, IDA and Bord Bia clients. This will be an opportunity to deliver a strong message to French business people and investors, and to the diaspora, that Ireland is open for business. The Taoiseach will also meet the France-based members of the Global Irish Network and ‘Network Irlande’ the Franco-Irish business network.

Later, the Taoiseach will launch Bord Bia’s ‘Origin Green’ initiative at SIAL the world’s largest food fairs. The ‘Origin Green’ initiative will enhance Ireland’s international reputation as a source of natural, high quality, sustainable food, drink and ingredients. At a event reception organised by Bord Bia, the Taoiseach will meet with French and international buyers at SIAL.