Government to spend €135k on scarves to give as gifts to dignitaries in July

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the scarves must be 100% wool, and must be guaranteed not to deteriorate for at least 12 months after they have been delivered

The 4,500 woolen scarves, at around €30 each, will have a 'distinctive and uniquely Irish artistic character', according to the tender by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Government is to spend €135,000 on 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 woolen scarves, at around €30 each, that have a “distinctive and uniquely Irish artistic character”.

“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,” it said.

From July 1, 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.

Lobbying of the Government ahead of July has been significant, with hundreds of submissions made urging it to take action in multiple areas such as tech, climate, energy and social justice.

In its request for the scarves, it said the programme for the presidency includes a series of meetings and events.

“In addition, Irish ministers and officials will chair multiple meetings of over 170 EU working parties and other high-level meetings in Brussels and Luxembourg each involving delegations from all EU Member States,” it said.

“It is customary for the Member State holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union to provide mementos for Heads of Delegation at certain high-level Presidency meetings.” 

It said the scarves must be 100% wool, and must be guaranteed not to deteriorate for at least 12 months after they have been delivered.

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They must be in a shade of green “associated with Irish heritage” such as moss, emerald, heather or forest. They must also comply with relevant environmental standards with EU and Irish green public procurement guidance.

“In their response, tenderers should submit up to three proposed scarf design options on paper. Only one design will be chosen,” it said.

It comes as the Taoiseach held a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the EU presidency. The Government said Micheál Martin plans to visit a number of EU capitals in the coming months ahead of July.