Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
63. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had regarding the possible visit of the President of the United States of America to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46630/21]
View answerHigh-level visits between Ireland and the United States of America are an intrinsic part of the close relationship between our two countries, and allow us to strengthen our ties even further. Having just returned from the United States where I visited New York and Washington, I can attest to the importance of high-level visits in developing and nurturing the people-to-people links that are the lifeblood of the Ireland-US relationship.
During a phone call with President-elect Biden in November last year, the Taoiseach extended an open invitation for him to visit Ireland. In January of this year, in the Taoiseach’s letter of congratulations to the President on his inauguration, a formal invitation to visit was also extended.
As the Deputy will know, President Biden is a proud Irish American and is very strongly attached to his Irish roots. He has noted his desire to visit Ireland during his term in office, including in his remarks during the presentation of the Shamrock Bowl on St. Patrick’s Day this year. We look forward to welcoming the President to Ireland again at the appropriate time.
