Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019
67. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the role of his Department in preparing for visits to Ireland by heads of state; and the role it will have in planning for a visit by the President of the United States of America. [15464/19]
View answerInward visits to Ireland by foreign Heads of State or Government provide an important opportunity to promote Ireland’s interests and values internationally and contribute to the development of strong economic, political and cultural links between Ireland and other States.
Depending on the nature and timing of such visits, they can include elements such as an official welcome ceremony, State hospitality and calls on the President, Taoiseach and the Oireachtas. Other elements can include business and community receptions and visits to places of historical, educational or cultural interest.
The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade manages bilateral relations with countries overseas and coordinates efforts across Government, including the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, as well as Áras an Uachtaráin.
The visit of any US President offers an opportunity to reinforce the strong historic, economic, cultural and family ties shared by the US and Ireland - as well as an opportunity for good, open discussions on current issues of interest. US Presidents have a standing invitation to visit Ireland, just as the Taoiseach has a standing invitation to Washington DC every March.
There are also frequent and ongoing contacts between the Government and the US Administration at ministerial and official level on the wide range of issues of mutual interest, and on international issues. We are not aware at present of any plan by President Trump for a visit to Ireland.
