The number of countries visited by the Government for St Patrick's Day has increased sevenfold since 2011
Europe has always been an important destination for St Patrick’s Day, but 2019 and the looming shadow of Brexit has seen the number of countries visited rise by 76 per cent compared with 2018.
Typically just one Minster has visited European countries, often taking in a number of neighbouring states, with the exception of England, which in 2011 and 2018 was visited by two Ministers. London is visited every year, while Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool, cities with large Irish populations, have also been part of the itinerary some years.
However, for the first time since 2011, two Government Ministers will visit Germany, France and the Netherlands, countries traditionally visited by only one Minister.When it comes to Asia, China and Singapore are the top destinations for Ministers with visits to both during seven of the nine years in question. India, South Korea and Japan are also popular, and the Government will send a representative to eight Asian countries this year, the highest since 2011.
Mexico has also been a target destination , while Cuba will be visited for the first time this year by Minister of State for Disability Issues Finian McGrath.Among the lesser visited regions, Lebanon and United Arab Emirates are the top two destinations for St Patrick’s Day trips in the Middle East.
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