As part of a five day mission and called for strengthened ties between Ireland and Norway.
The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD, last night (Wednesday 14 March) addressed the Irish Embassy St Patrick’s Day Reception in Oslo, as part of a five day mission and called for strengthened ties between Ireland and Norway.
The annual event was hosted by Ambassador Gardner and attended by members of the Irish community and officials.
Speaking at the event Minister Madigan said:
“I am honoured to be able to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with you here in Norway. While St Patrick’s Day is the highlight of the Irish calendar here, I know volunteers work all year round. I would like to join the Ambassador in thanking all the Irish groups who work tirelessly to promote Irish heritage across this country.
I had the opportunity yesterday and today to visit some of Oslo’s cultural attractions, the opera house, the new Deichman library and Litteraturhuset. As Minister for Culture, I am committed to supporting the promotion of Irish culture and heritage abroad so I was really thrilled to see the work being done by Irish people on the arts and culture scene here in Norway.”
Minister Madigan is currently in the middle of a visit to Oslo in Norway and Uppsala and Stockholm in Sweden, as part of the Government’s ‘Promote Ireland’ Programme. Later today, she will speak at an Enterprise Ireland Construction Seminar, before addressing the Maritime Museum St Patrick’s Day Reception in Stockholm.
Speaking ahead of the events Minister Madigan said:
“We have always recognised that our people are our greatest resource. We have a young, well-educated, creative, and talented workforce. Our reputation for excellent education and research is based on our record and achievements.
We are also investing in our future as a society, organised and resourced for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Project Ireland 2040 aims to ensure that Ireland is ready for the future with a society that has sustainable and balanced growth, nurtures talent, serves the welfare of our people, and offers opportunity for all.”