Connecticut Ireland Trade Commission adds 'tourism' to draft mission, clarifies scope; schedules next meeting for June 10

Members of the Connecticut Ireland Trade Commission met in person and by Zoom to introduce themselves and discuss a draft mission statement, agreeing to add the word "tourism" to the commission's stated purpose and to align the document's geographic language with state statute.

The meeting opened with introductions from appointees. Loretta O'Leary, an appointee of Sen. Bob Duff of Norwalk, said she supported the commission's work "promoting bilateral trade between Connecticut and Ireland." Representative Chris Anascovich, who identified himself as the ranking member on the Commerce Committee, noted his legislative appointment to the commission. Alex Peterson, director of government affairs for the Connecticut Airport Authority, said, "The Aer Lingus flight to Dublin has been a great resource for the state, and, I think that we can do some very good things with this commission to, support that route." Tony Sheridan, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, and former U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd (participating by Zoom) also introduced themselves.

Nut graf: The commission’s early focus on wording and scope reflects its intended role as a state-level body to foster business, travel and legal cooperation with Ireland. Members flagged immediate priorities — trade and tourism promotion, legal and judicial collaboration, and making sure the mission language matches state law — and set a date to return for a more detailed discussion.

During discussion of the draft mission statement, Marty Dunleavy (an appointee of the governor) proposed a one-word amendment to the commission's purpose: add "tourism" after "trade." Dunleavy said, "It's the only thing that that isn't directly, mentioned in the draft. And, clearly, part of our, trade mission is to foster tourism back and forth between the 2 countries." The chair seconded the amendment, and members present signaled agreement that tourism should be included.

Commissioners also discussed whether mission text should say "the Island of Ireland" or "the Republic of Ireland." Dr. Christine Keneally, a Quinnipiac University faculty member participating remotely, asked, "When you use the term island, do you mean the Island Of Ireland or The Republic Of Ireland?" A commission member referenced the governing statute and said the public act specifies the Republic of Ireland; the chair said the text would be revised to match the statute. The statute was cited in the meeting as "Public Act 24-60 from the 24th legislative session" (as read aloud in the meeting transcript).

Kevin Kelly, an appointee of the Republican Senate leader, recommended including a legal or judicial collaboration component in the mission. Kelly said, in part, "I would want to see something that has to deal with the law, the legal system, and the, administration of justice become part of this," noting the potential for legal cooperation given Ireland's position as the only English-speaking EU market.

Logistics and next steps: the commission agreed to meet again on the second Tuesday in June — identified in the meeting as June 10 — at 10 a.m., with meetings held both in person and by Zoom and a possibility of rotating meeting locations around the state. Clerk Tricia Kramer was thanked for administrative support. The chair moved to adjourn at the end of the session.

Ending: Members left the meeting with a staff task to revise the draft mission language to (1) insert "tourism" into the stated purpose, (2) clarify the geographic term to conform with the cited statute, and (3) consider language addressing legal cooperation; the commission will revisit the revised draft at its next meeting on June 10 at 10 a.m.