Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am conscious it is coming up to St. Patrick's Day and would like to take this opportunity to thank our overseas missions and embassies that represent us, our diaspora and more importantly, our interest, throughout the world. I single out the ambassador, Dan Mulhall, based in Washington. I also refer to our ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, in Austria, as well as our Irish ambassador to Austria, who is also based in Vienna, Austria. We are unique in having two ambassadors there representing different aspects of the Government.

It is time to acknowledge that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, went to Tehran last week. It is important and significant for a number of reasons. It is important we develop our trade. When one builds relationships, one builds opportunities. The Minister's trip to Tehran last week was significant in that he met President Hassan Rouhani. He had many discussions about many matters in terms of the United Nations and nuclear issues but I will not go into them today.

It is important we use our links, in Iran in particular, to increase trade. We had an enormous trade in beef prior to the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE. That trade had to be dropped because of that issue and international sanctions were also an issue. We are now getting back to normality and there have been developments. The Minister, Deputy Coveney, announced the Government's intentions to open up an embassy in Tehran in the next two years. It is important.

Iran is eager to do business with us. As Members are aware, it has an embassy in south County Dublin. It is keen to do business. We should build on those relationships. We are unique people. Together with the Middle East generally, the Iranian people are supportive and sympathetic to Ireland and have a special place in their heart. I have Lebanese relatives so I am familiar with the Middle East. I am familiar with their commitments to Ireland and the Irish people. It is significant and we should tap into it. Our mutton and dairy products are in demand out there. I thank the Minister for that significant trip. As he led a successful agricultural trade mission to Tehran some years ago, he has the experience and knowledge and will build on that.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the presentation of his shamrock today. As a horticulturist, I checked out that this is Irish grown. It was not grown on Irish peat for anyone who has a concern about Irish peat. It was grown hydroponically, that is, it was grown through a solution. I will conclude by noting it is a trifolium with three leaves. It has much significance for different people, whatever their belief or ethos. It is significant and is Irish. As Bord Bia will tell one, all over the world, this trifolium symbol is embossed on our products. It is synonymous with Ireland, the green island. I would welcome a debate about Ireland, the island of Ireland initiative and how we can expand our exports of agrifoods across the Continent and the world. I wish everyone a happy and enjoyable St. Patrick's Day.