Tánaiste to attend National Ploughing Championships

The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, will travel to the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois on Wednesday 18 September and Thursday 19 September.

The Tánaiste’s programme at the Ploughing Championships will include a visit to the Global Ireland marquee in the Government of Ireland village. The Tánaiste said: “I am delighted to attend the National Ploughing Championships this year and I very much look forward to visiting the Global Ireland marquee showcasing the citizen services and work internationally of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“My Department’s presence at Ploughing is an important opportunity to update the public on our passport and consular services. This year, we are celebrating 100 years of the Irish passport. The Passport Service is expecting to issue over a million passports this year and people can have their passport photo taken at the DFA photo booth.

“2024 also marks the 50th anniversary of Irish Aid, the Government and Irish people’s Official International Development Programme. Our presence at Ploughing offers an opportunity to reflect on the impact Irish Aid has had, as well as the challenges and opportunities of the years to come.

“I encourage all those attending Ploughing 2024 to visit the Global Ireland marquee and to take part in the wide range of activities aimed at all ages, including drumming workshops, floor games, an interactive Ambassador’s office and quizzes. You will also find information on working in the EU, staying safe while travelling abroad and an update on Government’s Global Ireland Strategy.”

The Global Ireland marquee will be located in the Government of Ireland village at the National Ploughing Championships 2024. The marquee includes exhibits on:

• 100 years of the Irish passport and the ‘Don’t be that person!’ passports campaign

• TravelWise: ‘Make the Right Memories’ campaign

• Irish communities abroad

• Ireland’s expanded global footprint under the Global Ireland Strategy

• Ireland in the EU and EU Jobs

• 50 years of Irish Aid