The Government is set to spend €135,000 on wool scarves that will be presented to European dignitaries during Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency later this year.
In a tender request, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it intends to purchase 4,500 wool scarves at an estimated cost of about €30 each, with the items required to have a “distinctive and uniquely Irish artistic character”, the Irish Examiner reports, reports Breaking News.
The Department is seeking to partner with a supplier for a period of approximately nine months.
It said providing mementos offers an opportunity to strengthen goodwill between colleagues while also showcasing Irish craftsmanship internationally and promoting the cultural identity of the host country, reports Breaking News.
From July 1st, Ireland will take on the presidency of the European Union for the first time since 2013.
During the six-month term, Ireland will be responsible for leading the work of the Council of the European Union and helping to steer EU legislation and policy discussions, reports Breaking News.
Hosting the presidency is expected to involve significant costs for the State, as Ireland will host numerous high-level meetings and cover security arrangements throughout the period, the Irish Examiner reports.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said the Government is focused on ensuring that “everything is in place for the work ahead”, reports Breaking News.
She added that the presidency also provides an opportunity to engage the public in discussions about Ireland’s role within the EU.
“The Presidency also offers a real opportunity to start a broader national conversation about Ireland’s role in the European Union and the benefits EU membership brings.
“We will have initiatives such as the Presidency County Pairings programme and plans for youth and schools engagement, which will help ensure people of all ages, in every part of the country, have a chance to be part of our Presidency and take part in the discussion about Ireland’s place in Europe,” she said, reports Breaking News.
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