Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
260. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the US Administration the appointment of a Special Envoy to Northern Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that recently senior members of the US Congress have written to President Biden in relation to the merit of such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27436/21]
View answerThe Government is working closely with President Biden and the US Administration on our bilateral agenda, including in relation to Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement.
A longstanding commitment to peace on the island of Ireland continues to be felt strongly in the US. The Good Friday Agreement and the Peace Process in Northern Ireland are not simply an achievement of the Irish and British Governments and the political representatives of the people of Northern Ireland, but one to which successive US Administrations and Members of Congress have also contributed.
The role of the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland has been greatly valued by the Irish Government over many years. The appointment of a Special Envoy would be warmly welcomed by the Government. In any circumstances, the US will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in supporting peace, stability and prosperity in Northern Ireland.
I am grateful that President Biden continues to make an important contribution to this ongoing effort, as he has done consistently throughout his career to date, and that the US continues to stand in support of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Government greatly values the continued support, friendship and engagement of the US on the Peace Process, and for the stability and prosperity of Northern Ireland. I know these messages were reiterated by the Taoiseach during his St. Patrick's Day engagements in the US in March.
I also met virtually with the Friends of Ireland Caucus in the US Congress in March. This meeting, as well as the recent statements from President Biden’s Administration, underline once again the bipartisan support from America’s most senior political figures for stability in Northern Ireland and safeguarding the gains of the Good Friday Agreement.
