Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
103. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when he last spoke with the US National Security Advisor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2353/24]
View answerSustained, high-level engagement with the United States administration remains a priority for the Government. This engagement is underpinned by a steady rhythm of high level visits in both directions. Last year, there were over 20 visits to the US by Irish Ministers, in addition to a significant number of visits to Ireland by senior figures in the US administration and in Congress, and of course the visit of President Joe Biden last April.
I travelled to Washington DC for a series of high-level meetings last February, including with senior figures in the Biden Administration and the State Department, as well as with members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. During that visit, I had a positive and productive meeting with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. This was a timely opportunity to discuss developments in Northern Ireland, including the recent appointment of the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy. We also had a broad discussion on shared global challenges, including Russia’s ongoing military aggression in Ukraine.
I have had several other recent engagements with US Government representatives. In August, I met the US Secretary of the Navy in Dublin, as well as two Congressional Delegations led by Senator Chris Murphy and Representative Pat Fallon. During the United Nations General Assembly high-level week in September, I had a bilateral meeting with Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development.
Next month, I will return to Washington DC, where I will meet with senior representatives of President Biden’s Administration and members of Congress. The meetings will be an opportunity to discuss issues of shared importance and concern for Ireland and the United States, including Northern Ireland, the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, among other topics.
