Preasráitis
Minister Foley addresses Irish American Partnership gathering during St. Patrick’s Day visit to Boston
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
The Minister for Education Norma Foley today addressed the Irish American Partnership during her visit to Boston as part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The Irish American Partnership connects the Irish and American communities directly with education in the North and South of Ireland. The Partnership has provided over $33 million in support to primary schools, higher education institutions and community organisations on the island of Ireland over the years.
Addressing a gathering of the members of the Partnership Minister Foley said:
"It is my great honour to be in Boston, the capital of Irish America, on this St. Patrick’s Day. I know that for the past 2 years we have not been able to celebrate our national day and our Irish heritage as we usually would.
"As Minister for Education in particular and as a former teacher, the Partnership’s focus on education, youth and wellbeing in Ireland, North and South, has special resonance for me.
"Today the 17th of March we gather to celebrate our Irishness. It is a time to pay homage to that sense of togetherness that connects 80 million people around the globe.
"Ireland is not just a place but a feeling, a tribal sense of belonging that we can never, or ever want to, leave behind. Ireland is a place that is privileged to enjoy democratic freedoms, handed down to us by previous generations."
The Minister added:
"The events of these past weeks in Ukraine have shown us once again that community is a universal value that demands meaningful solidarity with our fellow human beings. As the tragic events have unfolded, we have worked with our EU partners and through our membership of the UN Security Council to support the people of Ukraine.
"Like our fellow EU Member States, we have opened our doors to those fleeing the conflict. As Minster for Education I am pleased to confirm that Ukrainian children have already started school in Ireland."
Minister Foley is due to attend Massachusetts State House to give a formal address and also meet with the Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu during her visit.