Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 December 2022
43. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he spoke with the US Senate leader (details supplied) during his recent visit to Washington DC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61321/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraContinued high-level political engagement with senior US interlocutors on critical issues for Ireland is a priority for the Government. In this context, I have had several engagements with high-level US officials and members of Congress in recent months. During my visit to Washington DC last month, I had good meetings with USAID Administrator Samantha Power, and with the US State Department and the US Chamber of Commerce. I also met with eleven bipartisan members of the US House of Representatives' Congressional Friends of Ireland caucus, including the co-Chairs, Reps. Richard Neal and Mike Kelly. I also met separately with Congressman Bill Keating, who had just returned that week from Ireland where he led a Congressional Delegation to Dublin and Belfast. I took these opportunities to discuss a range of issues, including developments with respect to Brexit and Northern Ireland, Ukraine, and the enduring close ties between our two countries. It was heartening to see strong bipartisan recognition of the importance of the Ireland-US relationship reflected in these meetings, which took place shortly after the midterm elections, as well as the keen interest on Capitol Hill in the implications of Brexit for the island of Ireland, North and South. Our Ambassador and the Embassy in Washington continue to maintain regular and close contact with members of Congress to ensure that our interests, particularly in regard to the Northern Ireland Protocol, are fully understood. The proximity of the mid-term elections to my recent visit meant that I did not have the opportunity on this occasion to meet with Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
