Pauline Tully
Question:158. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to visit the United States before the end of 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30282/23]
View answerThursday, 22 June 2023
Questions (158)
Written answers
I have visited the United States twice so far during 2023, visiting Washington DC in February and, over the St Patrick's Day festivities in March, visiting New York as well Boston and Holyoke in Massachusetts.
While in Washington DC I met with US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan and had engagements with officials from the Biden administration and the State Department, as well as with key contacts on Capitol Hill to discuss issues relating to Northern Ireland and other matters of mutual interest, including prospects for emigration reform. I also participated in events reflecting on 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement, and on the role of women in the peace process, coinciding with St. Brigid’s Day.
While in New York and Massachusetts during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, I met the UN Secretary-General; former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; Congressman Richie Neal; New York City Mayor Eric Adams; and New York Attorney General Letitia James. I also addressed a conference in New York commemorating 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement and had the opportunity to meet with groups and organisations providing cultural, community and pastoral services to Irish communities in New York and Massachusetts.
Along with Government colleagues, I was delighted to welcome President Biden to Ireland in April along with members of his Cabinet and members of Congress for a historic and very successful visit. The visit of any US President, particularly one with such strong connections to Ireland, is a unique opportunity to reinforce the strong historic, economic, cultural and family ties between our two countries.
My travel programme for the remainder of 2023 remains under review. Should appropriate opportunities to further promote Ireland’s economic and political interests in the United States arise, I would intend to pay another visit to the United States later this year.