Ireland’s government is set to spend €135,000 on buying scarves for European officials and dignitaries over the next nine months, a tender issued by the state has revealed.
According to the document, Ireland is expected to provide “momentos” to EU politicians and civil servants as part of its hosting of the European Council presidency, which is set to begin in July.
These will not only be handed out to officials visiting Ireland, but also to those attending events hosted by the government in Brussels and Luxembourg.
“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 highlevel Presidency meetings,” the tender claims.
“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.”
Overall, 4,500 woollen scarves “with a distinctive and uniquely Irish artistic character” are set to be produced under the order. This works out to roughly €30 per item before VAT.
Officials insist that numerous criteria will be examined when determining which company is selected to fulfil the order, including “sustainability; environmental impact; and community benefit”.
No details are given as to why scarves in particular were chosen as a suitable gift for visiting Eurocrats, with long-term weather forecasts indicating that the wearing of such cold-weather accessories will likely be unnecessary for a large period of the Irish presidency.
According to Met Éireann, Ireland is expected to see a June, July and August that is both warmer and drier than average.
“Temperatures are likely to trend between 0.2 and 1.0°C above average generally. The likelihood of higher than normal temperatures is strongest in August,” its website reads.
“The rainfall forecast is less certain, with a weak signal for below average rainfall overall, especially during June and August.”