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Remarks at a Reception for The Irish Business Network

Sao Paulo, Brazil, 8th October 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends of Ireland,

I am delighted to be here this evening with Minister Costello and Enterprise Ireland, as well as representatives of other Irish State Agencies, and to have this opportunity to meet so many members of the Irish Business Network in Brazil. It is great to see so many people here this evening, both Brazilian and Irish, and it confirms my belief that Ireland and Brazil are on the threshold of a new and exciting period in our history.

While the Irish community in Brazil has never been large, there are long standing historical ties between our two peoples, which
I addressed earlier today in my lecture at the University of Sao Paulo. And in recent years, very many young Brazilians have chosen to come and work and study in Ireland, establishing communities and traditions there in the same way we Irish have been doing in the countries to which we have emigrated for centuries.

I know that, while many of you present from Ireland have been living and working in Brazil for many years, yet others, particularly the younger people among you, are a recent generation of immigrants, making your way in a new country which offers so much possibility and promise at this time.

I was also happy to learn that some network members are Brazilians who have returned from working and studying in Ireland and who have joined because of their affinity and wish to continue their links with our country. Thank you for that vote of confidence in Ireland and in the Irish-Brazilian relationship.

As we seek to sustain and build on the good relations between our two countries, it is our people to people connectedness, business and educational links that are the keys to a new and vibrant relationship between our two countries. And these links are growing all the time. As the interest shown by Irish companies and educational institutions in this current Trade mission demonstrates, Irish people are deeply interested in and prepared to put energy into doing business in Brazil. I will be talking more about the extent and depth of this growing relationship at tomorrow’s business breakfast.

I look forward to the continuing growth and development of the Irish Business Network Brazil as our two countries embark on a new and closer relationship. I know that already your Network has grown from under 30 to over 120 members in the last year alone and I wish you even greater growth in the years to come.

Networks, contacts, support and sharing of information – they are all so crucial in today’s world. But, even more importantly there is that human connection and contact, the mutual support and sense of solidarity which is cherished by Irish people and friends of Ireland everywhere. You are all part of that network of common affection and affinity. I wish you all, long standing members of the Irish Brazilian Community, new immigrants to this great and exciting country, and Brazilian friends of Ireland, every success.

Go n’éirí an bóthar libh. Slán agus beannacht.