Government to spend €135k on wool scarves to give as gifts during EU presidency

Eva Osborne

The Government is to pay €135,000 for wool scarves to give to European dignitaries when Ireland takes on the EU presidency later this year.

In a request for tender, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it wants to secure the supply of 4,500 wool scarves, at around €30 each, that have a “distinctive and uniquely Irish artistic character”, the Irish Examiner reports.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is looking to work with a supplier for around nine months.

“The provision of mementos is an opportunity to strengthen goodwill between colleagues and to promote domestic craftsmanship internationally, promoting the cultural identity of the host country and strengthening economic and cultural links,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

From July 1st, Ireland will assume the EU presidency for the first time since 2013.

While holding the post, Ireland is tasked with being the driving force behind the Council of the European Union during that six-month period by driving legislation and the EU agenda.

It will come at a significant cost to the State as it plays host to numerous high-level meetings and must cover security costs throughout the presidency, the Irish Examiner reports.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee, said the Government is focused on making sure "everything is in place for the work ahead".

“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," she said.

"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.”