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Visits and Events by Government Departments

The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels (ONIEB) has facilitated a number of visits by officials from different Northern Ireland Civil Service departments; including the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Regional Development, Department of Finance and Personnel and Department of Employment and Learning.

How we can help departments

The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels have a dedicated Visits and Events Officer, Helen Wright, who can work with departments to help them get the most from their visits and events. We can:
  • work with departments to put together content-appropriate programmes for officials;
  • identify key contacts for meetings;
  • provide logistical advice;and
  • facilitate in the organisation of policy seminars - offering practical advice, suggesting possible speakers and invitees.

Examples of past events

  • December 2010 - First Minister and deputy First Minister and Junior Minister Newton visited Brussels to officially open the new premises of ONIEB. During their visit, Ministers participated in a range of high-profile meetings, including with the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Parliament, the Commissioner for Regional Development  and the Commissioner for Research and Innovation.
  • December 2010 - The official opening was attended by over 150 people, with European Commission President Barosso as guest of honour. The event showcased Northern Ireland produce, art and tourism.
  • November 2010 - Officials from the Department of Justice completed a worthwhile EU familiarisation visit. They met with representatives from the UK Permanent Representation to the EU, the Law Society Brussels and the European Commission. They also had the opportunity to observe a Council working group and to visit the European Parliament.
  • July 2010 - Working with colleagues from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, DEFRA, Scotland and Wales, the office helped organise the Northern Ireland contribution to the UK’s stand showcasing UK produce at an Agriculture Fair organised by the European Commission. The Agriculture Fair was in the margins of the CAP post-2013 conference, being held in Brussels.
  • July 2010 - Minister Reg Empey, Department of Employment and Learning, visited Brussels, meeting with the Research and Innovation Commissioner Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, as well as officials from the European Commission, UK Permanent Representation to the EU and Northern Ireland MEPs.  
  • June 2010 - Minister Michelle Gildernew, Department of Agriculture and Regional Development, visited Brussels to brief the new EU Fisheries Commissioner, Maria Damanaki, on Northern Ireland’s fisheries industry.
  • June 2010 - Bruce Robinson, Head of Civil Service, visited Brussels when he was invited to speak at the Government of the Future Summit. The visit gave him the opportunity to meet ONIEB staff and to see the new premises. He also met with Ronnie Hall, Chairman of the Commission President Barosso’s Northern Ireland Taskforce.
  • March 2010 - The Department of Regional Development hosted a seminar in ONIEB as part of EU Sustainable Energy Week. Introduced by Minister Murphy, the seminar focused on the challenges faced by a peripheral region in delivering sustainable transport and the innovative and practical solutions to overcome these. The seminar and networking reception provided an opportunity to promote Northern Ireland and attracted a range of key stakeholders, EU representatives and other regional representations.

More information...

If you would like more information on how the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels can help facilitate your event please contact our Visits and Events Officer Helen Wright: