Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
148. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has had engagement with the US embassy in relation to the Catalpa sesquicentenary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9035/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Catalpa rescue of 1876, in which six Irish Fenian prisoners escaped from a British penal colony in Western Australia aboard the U.S. merchant ship Catalpa, occupies a distinct place in the history of Ireland's relationship with both Australia and the United States.
Past commemorations, at both official and community level in the U.S. and Australia, have marked the historical and cultural significance of the rescue mission. While I have not discussed the commemoration of the 150th anniversary with the United States' Embassy in Ireland to date, officials at our Embassy in Canberra are engaging regularly with the organisers of commemorative events due to take place later this year in Perth and across Western Australia.
My Department continues to engage with the United States' Embassy in Ireland on a wide programme of activities celebrating our shared history and heritage, including initiatives to mark this year's 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. I look forward to having further discussions on this during my visit to Washington this week.
