Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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41. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his visit to Rome and the opening of the embassy to the Holy See; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18304/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I made an official visit to Italy over the St Patrick’s Day weekend, 15-19 March. The visit began in Milan on 15 March where I had a series of engagements to promote Irish business involving clients of Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland. Growing our bilateral trade and investment relations with Italy and other EU partners is an important part of the Government’s diversification strategy in response to Brexit.

The following day I travelled to Rome where I had a very productive meeting with Italy’s foreign minister, Angelino Alfano. The focus of our discussions was Brexit but we also discussed migration, the future of Europe and bilateral relations. I gave an interview to the leading Italian daily newspaper La Repubblicawhich subsequently appeared in print and online. The main topic of the interview was Brexit and I was pleased to have an opportunity to again highlight Ireland’s unique concerns. I also availed of the opportunity to emphasise positive developments in the economy.

I addressed a gathering of Irish Community at the Ambassador to Italy’s residence and at the Irish Celtic Ball on Saturday night, 18 March.

On St Patrick’s Day I paid an official visit to the Holy See. As part of the visit, I officially opened the new Chancery of the Irish Embassy to the Holy See. The opening was attended by senior officials of the Holy See including Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States. I also had a separate meeting with Archbishop Gallagher and we had a constructive and engaging discussion on a range of issues of mutual interest, including recent developments in Northern Ireland, the future of Europe, Brexit, and the World Meeting of Families which is due to take place in Ireland in 2018. We also discussed bilateral relations between Ireland and the Holy See.