Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
755. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent engagements with his counterpart in the United States of America; if the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol has been discussed; if Brexit and its impact on Ireland has been discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14616/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraStrengthening bilateral relations with the US is a priority for Ireland as set out in our Programme for Government, as well in our Strategy for the US and Canada (2019-2025). We look forward to working with the new US Administration on the many global challenges facing the international community, from the pandemic to climate change to promoting peace and security, as well as on issues of particular importance to our bilateral relationship. Ireland has always maintained close relations with the US and will continue to do so, including through our Embassy in Washington D.C., our other diplomatic Missions across the US and through the US Embassy in Dublin.
I spoke with my counterpart in the US, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on 13 February. This call offered a valuable opportunity to congratulate Secretary Blinken on his appointment and to reiterate the commitment of the Government to strengthening both our bilateral relationship and wider transatlantic relations. During the call, in addition to foreign policy issues, we discussed Brexit, Northern Ireland and the importance of protecting the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts. The engagement by successive US Administrations, Congress and the Irish Diaspora has made an indispensable contribution to the success of the Peace Process over the last three decades, and continues to do so.
I also met with Secretary Blinken at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 22 February where the importance of the transatlantic relationship, and the scope for enhanced cooperation on a host of issues, were discussed.
On 10 March, the Vice President of the European Commission, Maroš Šefcovic, and I met virtually with the Friends of Ireland Caucus in the US Congress. This meeting underlined 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, including avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland. It was an opportunity, too, to brief the Caucus on the latest EU-UK developments, including the UK’s unilateral moves on implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. The Protocol is the agreed and only solution to the problems created on the island of Ireland by Brexit.
We have consistently said that we want the Protocol to work for Northern Ireland, and for the island as a whole, in as smooth a manner as possible. Making this work requires a genuine spirit of partnership and close cooperation and we hope that the UK Government now recommits to full implementation of the Protocol in partnership with the EU.
The Government greatly values the support, friendship and engagement of the United States on the Peace Process, and for the stability and prosperity of Northern Ireland. These messages were reiterated by the Taoiseach during his St. Patrick's Day engagements in the US last week.
Looking ahead, we will continue to maintain close relations with the new Administration, Members of Congress, across the aisle, and contacts from across the political spectrum. This engagement extends to our contacts at federal, state, city and local levels.
