Humphreys replaces flanagan in ny paddys day celebrations

Minister for Arts and Monaghan native Heather Humphreys is this morning (St Patrick’s Day) in New York, after flying from London to replace Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan, whose mother passed away at the weekend.
Deputy Humphreys travelled to New York on Sunday and on Monday met with former US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.
She joins Cavan County Council’s cathaoirleach Shane P O’Reilly and acting ceo Ger Finn, who have already flown out for a five-day spin.
Humphreys is to be hosted by the Big Apple’s mayor, Bill de Blasio, at a breakfast at Gracie Mansion this morning and is to meet with Irish community and business leaders in a trip that will “emphasise economic ties” between the two countries.
She is also guest of honour at a media call to promote Ireland with business and financial journalists from Bloomberg, Financial Times, Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and elsewhere.
“I’m very pleased and privileged to be visiting New York in place of Minister Flanagan,” she said.
“There is a great affinity between the people of Ireland and the USA, and this is reflected in the strength of the Irish-US economic relationship, which has brought 130,000 jobs to Ireland and which had enormous potential for even greater growth in the future.
“The recent opening up of the US beef market to Ireland, the first EU country to be allowed back in, is an example of new opportunities being pursued. The new financial services strategy is another example, where we are seeking to leverage our advantages in a particular area to promote jobs and growth.
“I will be taking the opportunity to promote Ireland 2016, the Government’s initiative to commemorate the 1916 Rising, reflect on our achievements over the last 100 years and look towards the next 100 years.”
Her March 16-17 itinerary includes attending mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, speakign at the Jerry McCabe Fellowship Programme reception at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and attendance at St Patrick’s Day Parade among other functions.

Grant
Minister Humphreys also used the occasion to announce a grant of $1.25 million for the redevelopment of the Irish Arts Center in New York.
This grant is made from the Emigrant Support Programme of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“The Irish Arts Center is already the home of Irish culture in the United States. This redevelopment project will provide the Center with a landmark base that those that are directly involved, and indeed and the rest of the community, Irish and Irish American, can be deeply proud of,' she said yesterday.
“Its significance in terms of the Irish community having a flagship presence in New York cannot be overstated. The Irish Arts Center has provided a spring board to international stardom for many Irish acts and the new Center, when built, will greatly enhance its capability and capacity to do this.
“I want to put on record the Irish Government’s deep appreciation of the support also given to this project by the City of New York, including by Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Finkelpearl. I look forward to seeing the final tranche of funding being raised by the community and work beginning on what will be an iconic symbol of Irishness in New York City,” she said.