I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 59 together.
The US President has extended an invitation to the Taoiseach to visit the White House for the traditional St Patrick’s Day events this March. Similarly, Vice-President Pence has said that he would be happy to continue the tradition of hosting a St Patrick’s Day breakfast at the US Naval Observatory, while Speaker Paul Ryan has confirmed his intention of hosting the traditional Friends of Ireland lunch on Capitol Hill.
Collectively, the St. Patrick’s Day events in Washington provide invaluable opportunities for the Government to discuss, at the very highest levels with the US Administration, our priorities and concerns. It is also an opportunity to inform the new Administration and Congress of issues of particular Irish interest, including immigration reform in the United States and the continuing need for vigilance on the Peace Process in Northern Ireland.
In our multifaceted bilateral relations with the United States, St Patrick’s Day-related engagements represent a key annual opportunity to pursue Ireland’s interests and concerns with the US Administration. The events surrounding St. Patrick’s Day also offer us the chance to reaffirm our longstanding relationship with a broad array of US stakeholders, based on shared values of democracy and the rule of law, as well as economic and historic ties.
Whether or not the Middle East Peace Process features in those discussions will depend on developments between now and then. While President Trump has made clear his preference for moving the United States Embassy to Jerusalem, his Administration has stated that it is studying the issue before making any announcement. I also noted the President’s comments following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It is unclear what these comments may mean in practice. I and my Department follow these issues closely and will continue to do so.