St. Patrick's Day Reception 2024
Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, represented the Irish government in an official visit to Cyprus for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, represented the Irish government in an official visit to Cyprus for the St Patrick’s Day festivities. The visit was marked by several significant events that emphasised the strong bilateral relations between Ireland and Cyprus.
To kick-start her visit, Minister Butler had a courtesy meeting with Cyprus Health Minister Michael Damianos. The meeting served as an excellent opportunity for both ministers to discuss and exchange ideas on various health-related matters of mutual interest.
Following her visit to the Health Ministry, Minister Butler made her way to the Ledra Palace rooftop, where she met with Gardai serving with UNPOL in Cyprus. This encounter allowed Minister Butler to be briefed on the Irish contingent’s role and current situation at the UN buffer zone.
During her speech at the Embassy’s St Patrick’s Day reception, Minister Butler emphasised the strong bonds between Ireland and Cyprus, highlighting the shared values and cultural connections that unite both nations.
Minister Butler also paid a visit to a retirement home in Nicosia. During her time at the facility, she had the privilege to engage with the residents and staff members, discussing the conditions and challenges that older people and their caretakers on a daily basis.
Lastly, Minister Butler visited the United Nations Protected Area where she accompanied the Gardaí on a patrol of the buffer zone. Throughout her time there, the Minister acknowledged the accomplishments of Irish police officers on their invaluable contribution to the UN peacekeeping mission.