IRELAND IS TO promote its forthcoming presidency of the European Union’s council of ministers by offering visitors and staff branded neckties and scarves commemorating Ireland’s six-month stint at the helm.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has awarded tenders to companies in counties Monaghan and Clare to provide neckties for men and scarves for women as branded accessories to promote Ireland’s term as president of the European Council.

Each is intended “to be used as promotional mementoes” to mark Ireland’s six month term, which begins on January 1.

15 tenders were received for the contract to provide the men’s neckties, while eight applicants sought the contract for the women’s scarves. Notices published by the Department do not indicate the value of the contracts reached.

The branded garments will bear stylised versions of the official logo for Ireland’s presidency, which was decided in a public vote earlier this year.

Notices published by the Department of Foreign Affairs also show the department will be seeking outside contractors to provide a series of other services, including the provision of meals and refreshments, ground transport services, interpretation and translation, website hosting, and more.

The European Council is likely to see over 1,600 meetings of various levels, with about 160 held in Ireland, including at least one visit from each cabinet minister of the other 26 EU member states.