Micheál Martin
Question:105. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit to the United States of America for St. Patrick's Day; and the meetings he attended and the issues that were discussed. [13886/19]
View answerTuesday, 16 April 2019
Questions (105)
Written answers
I travelled to the United States last month for the annual St. Patrick's Day visit to Washington D.C., following which I also visited Chicago.
In Washington D.C. I had a series of political discussions and meetings, including with President Trump, Vice President Pence, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Patrick Leahy and Congressmen Richie Neal and Peter King.
In each meeting, we discussed the Ireland - US bilateral relationship, including the importance of the two-way economic relationship between us, as well as between the US and EU.
I outlined the Government's position on the Brexit negotiations, and the importance of ensuring that there is no return to a hard border on the island of Ireland. As ever, there was clear and unambiguous backing, both within the Administration and across Congress, for the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement.
I highlighted the continuing problems facing the undocumented Irish in the US, and called for a speedy resolution of this issue.
I also expressed the Government's appreciation for the strong backing both from the Administration and across the aisles in Congress for the E3 Bill last year, which we hope will be reintroduced shortly. I did not have an opportunity for detailed discussion of Climate Change issues during this visit.
My programme in Washington D.C. also included a number of engagements with an economic focus, including events hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland. At these events I met some of the Irish-owned companies which, in total, employ more than 100,000 workers in the US. I also met a number of US companies with significant investments in Ireland.
I also attended a number of other St. Patrick's Day events including the White House reception; a breakfast hosted by Vice President Pence, and receptions hosted by the Irish Ambassador and by the Ireland Funds.
In Chicago, I had a meeting with a number of emigrant support groups that receive Irish Government funding, and had the opportunity to reaffirm the Government's commitment to finding a resolution to the status of the undocumented.
I also met with political leaders including the Governor of Illinois, Jay Pritzker and Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, where we discussed bilateral relations and topical issues including Brexit.
I attended Chicago's annual St. Patrick’s Day events, including a dinner hosted by the Irish Fellowship Club, mass in Old St. Patrick's church, and the Chicago Parade. Finally, I launched Tourism Ireland's new publication marking the 10th anniversary of the Global Greening Initiative.
This visit was an invaluable opportunity to promote Ireland’s interests with the US Administration, and with political, business and community leaders, as well as to deepen the political, economic and cultural links between Ireland and the United States.