Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I was very glad to hear of the ambitious programme being put together by the Government to mark St. Patrick's Day. It is co-incidental that St. Patrick's Day falls on the day that it does, but there is an opportunity to take sensible steps. Sometimes people in the media have knocked this and other Governments for sending senior and junior Ministers around the globe, but it provides desperately good value for money and is a very worthwhile programme. When I see Ministers, Ministers of State and their officials travelling abroad, I take the view that they are ambassadors for the country. We are all flying the same flag and the Opposition parties and Independents, including Government supporting groups, should be 100% behind that job of work. It is very beneficial, this year more than ever, to visit each EU capital at this critical time. They are going to fly the Irish flag, which is tremendously important work and its importance cannot be overemphasised. It is about using our ambassadors abroad and continuing a strong programme of engagement and work with foreign ambassadors based here and those who cover Ireland from overseas stations. That is what will take us through the next number of weeks, months and years. I was glad to see the Government being ambitious and making a special effort in Europe this year. I recognise that work. I do not want to delay the Minister of State.