I congratulate the hon. Member for Strangford on securing this Adjournment debate. The Government appreciate the deep cultural and religious significance of St Patrick’s day to many nationalists and Unionists across Northern Ireland, some of whom revere St Patrick for his role in the arrival and growth of Christianity on the island... By way of just one example, our NHS is stronger for the contributions of the many Irish nationals who serve in it today and have done since its founding. The most recent statistics, from June 2023, showed that nearly 14,000 members of NHS staff were Irish, including doctors, nurses, and of course support staff... Following the recent general election in Ireland, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Tánaiste have discussed the strength of the bilateral relationship, our shared commitment to the Good Friday agreement, and the importance of upholding political stability in Northern Ireland. We have also increased engagement between the two Governments, especially through the new Prime Minister-Taoiseach summits... Many people across the world look forward to the annual St Patrick’s day celebrations, which showcase the significant contributions of Irish people. Turning to the nub of the hon. Member for Strangford’s speech, St Patrick’s day is already a bank holiday in Northern Ireland, providing its people with the opportunity to mark that important cultural and religious occasion. The Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 specifies which days are bank holidays, and it designates 17 March as a bank holiday in Northern Ireland. The decision to create an additional bank holiday for St Patrick’s day was taken against the backdrop of Northern Ireland’s economic, social, cultural, and legal systems. The current pattern of bank holidays is well established, and I am afraid that the Government do not have any plans to extend the St Patrick’s day bank holiday to other parts of the UK. Bank holidays are devolved to the Scottish Government, so Scottish Ministers are responsible for decisions about bank holidays in Scotland. An additional bank holiday would benefit those who celebrate it, including members of the Irish diaspora in the UK. Certain sectors of the economy, such as pubs and restaurants, might also benefit from increased expenditure on a bank holiday. However, the overall cost to the economy is considerable—around £2 billion for a one-off bank holiday based on the impact assessment for the platinum jubilee bank holiday weekend held in 2022. An additional bank holiday would also impact public services and disrupt NHS services. Even if the St Patrick’s day bank holiday were extended, not all workers would be able to take it off. For example, many NHS and emergency service workers might still be required to work. We regularly receive requests for bank holidays to mark various historical, cultural, religious, and sporting events. Although we have no plans for a St Patrick’s day bank holiday in England and Wales, the Government strongly encourage employers to respond flexibly to any requests for leave for significant religious or cultural events, such as Diwali, Vaisakhi, Magna Carta day, Remembrance Day, or St George’s day. It is important that we can take time out to celebrate these events.