Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
259. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the need to appoint an ambassador to Ireland as soon as possible with the US Administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27435/21]
View answerThe appointment of Ambassadors by the United States is solely a matter for the US authorities. However, during their meeting on St. Patrick's Day, President Biden assured the Taoiseach that the matter is under active consideration by the White House.
Pending the nomination of a new US Ambassador to Ireland by President Biden and the subsequent confirmation of the appointment by the US Senate, we continue to engage closely with the US Embassy in Dublin on the whole range of issues pertaining to the Ireland-US relationship.
We have a very strong and positive working relationship with the US Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Alex McKnight, and her team. I know that this will continue to be the case until, and indeed after, a new Ambassador is appointed. I am particularly grateful for the ongoing cooperation during the COVID 19 pandemic and for the work of the previous US Ambassador, Edward Crawford, during his time in Ireland.
We do of course look forward to the arrival of a new US Ambassador in due course. Ireland has always maintained close relations with the US and will continue to do so, including through our Embassy in Washington D.C., our other diplomatic Missions across the United States, and through the US Embassy in Dublin.
