Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2018
84. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to raise with the United States Government the fact that Ireland has been without an ambassador from the United States of America since January 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27600/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe appointment of US Ambassadors to particular countries is a matter solely for the U.S. authorities and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the appointment of a US ambassador to Ireland.
I do understand, however, that the appointment of a new ambassador has been under consideration within the US system for some time now and I look forward to welcoming a new US Ambassador to Ireland in due course.
Pending the nomination of a new US Ambassador, and confirmation of the nominee by the U.S. Senate, we will continue to engage closely with the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Reece Smyth, on the whole range of issues pertaining to the Ireland-US relationship.
We have a very strong and positive working relationship with Chargé d’Affaires Smyth and his team and I know that will continue to be the case until, and indeed after, a new ambassador is appointed.
