Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
241. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consideration has been given to appoint special envoys to the US for trade, culture and other shared interests between Ireland and the US. [15478/25]
View answerOngoing and strategic political engagement with the United States is a top priority for this Government. This is reflected in my Department’s ‘Strategy for the US and Canada 2019-2025’ which aims to consolidate, deepen and expand the partnership between Ireland and the United States.
The Programme for Government published earlier this year also places emphasis on the unique significance of the transatlantic relationship. It commits to enhance our diplomatic presence, with particular attention to Southern States. It aims to build connections with State legislatures. Other actions include boosting our EI and IDA staffing levels, and ensuring we have the expertise to maximise opportunities in strategically important sectors.
We have a very strong diplomatic network across the United States. The opening of our Consulate General in Miami in 2022 brought our diplomatic footprint to nine missions. In recent weeks, this network supported 9 members of the Government, myself included, in leading and delivering highly impactful Saint Patrick’s Day Programmes across the United States. All year round, they work to support the remarkable political and economic links between Ireland and the U.S.
Our States agencies also have a strong presence, working closely with the diplomatic network. In Austin, Chicago, New York and San Francisco, they do so under one roof as part of an Ireland House. Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Bord Bia, Screen Ireland, Culture Ireland and Tourism Ireland all play an important role in deepening our transatlantic partnership. Team Ireland is complimented by two specialist Cultural Officers, one on the East Coast and one on the West.
I am pleased that our new Talent and Innovation Attachés are taking up duty in Boston and San Francisco shortly. This is an important aspect of the Governments Global Citizens 2030 Strategy which I launched when I was Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
We are ambitious about deepening our relationship with the United States, even at this moment of economic uncertainty, and will ensure that our network has the resources necessary to meet this task.
I have no plans to appoint Special Envoys to the US. The appointment of any Special Envoys in my Department would of course be subject to the process for the approval of Special Envoys approved by Government in November 2021.
