Government Invitation Protocol

To help make the visits of key individuals to Trinity run as smoothly as possible, the following invitation protocol is in place. The protocol refers to events organised by academic, administrative and support areas in the University. Trinity often hosts visits from the President of Ireland, Taoiseach, Tánaiste, various Government Ministers, Ambassadors and other VIPs.

President of Ireland

Invitations to the President of Ireland are issued by the Office of the Provost. Areas wishing to issue an invitation should send briefing material to Sorcha O'Boyle, Communications Manager, Trinity Communications who will liaise with the Office of the Provost about this request. If feasible, six months’ notice is recommended. 

Taoiseach

Invitations to the Taoiseach are generally issued by the Office of the Provost. Areas wishing to issue an invitation should send briefing material and a broad timescale to Sorcha O'Boyle, Communications Manager, Trinity Communications who will liaise with the Office of the Provost about this request.

Tánaiste, Ministers, Ministers of State, Secretaries-General of Government Departments

These invitations are issued by the College Secretary. Areas wishing to issue an invitation should send briefing material and a broad timescale to Sorcha O'Boyle, Communications Manager, Trinity Communications who will liaise with the College Secretary.

Ambassadors

Invitations to Ambassadors are issued by the local organiser and are not issued by the College Secretary. Please let Trinity Communications know in advance if an Ambassador is coming onto campus.

Joint events off campus

If Trinity is the lead partner for a joint event to be held off campus, invitations to Government representatives should be issued by Trinity in line with the above protocol. At a minimum Trinity Communications should be informed.

When areas of College have existing links to certain Junior Ministers, it is permissible for them to informally approach Junior Ministers with a follow-on official invitation issued through the correct channels. 

Please engage with Trinity Communications to discuss the most appropriate way of communicating the event when a Government representative is secured.

Note:

Book launches

The above procedures do not apply to members of the Trinity community who, with their publishers, wish to invite Government Ministers etc. to book launches. Such invitations may be issued by the individual and/or the publisher, but organisers are requested to advise Trinity Communications of the details of the launch.

Student clubs and societies

The above protocols do not apply to student clubs and societies inviting Government Ministers etc. to attend meetings of their society or events in Trinity.  Prior notification of any such engagements to Trinity Communications is welcomed.

If you have any queries on the protocol above, please contact Sorcha O’Boyle in the Trinity Communications team.