Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, will travel to California as part of the Government's St Patrick's Day 'Promote Ireland' programme.

This year, 27 representatives of the Government will travel to 23 countries across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia for a series of trade, investment and tourism-focused programmes. Whilst in California, Minister Deenihan will undertake a number of engagements including business, film, cultural, diaspora and ceremonial events.

As part of the ongoing drive to encourage more film investment into Ireland, Minister Deenihan will visit Los Angeles and will take part in a number of film-related engagements including meetings with Universal and Comcast Corporation and an event hosted by actress Fionnuala Flanagan in cooperation with Disney and the LA Irish Film Festival. Last year, the Irish film industry was worth €168m to the economy, a 42% increase since 2011.

Minister Deenihan will also visit Silicon Valley where he will tour the Google campus and attend Irish Technology and Leadership Group (ITLG) events.  Minister Deenihan will also undertaken business events with the IDA, Irish Dairy Board, Aer Lingus, Tourism Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.

Minister Deenihan commented:

"St. Patrick’s Day presents Ireland with an unrivalled opportunity to promote our country abroad. At this time of year, the world is our stage. The promotion of Irish culture, and of Ireland as place to do business, is of paramount importance in all of the Government engagements that take place across the globe.” 

"Ireland and the USA have deep, longstanding links. It is both an honour and a privilege to represent Ireland in California on our National Day. I will be using this trip to promote business in Ireland, and to especially encourage further investment from Silicon Valley and the film industry in our country. Film in Ireland has increased by 42% since 2011, a great step forward and one we want to build on."

For the full media release, please see the external link below.

http://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/PressReleases/2014/March2014PressReleases/htmltext,17712,en.html