Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, together.

I visited New York from 15 to 18 July 2008 during which I fulfilled a range of business, economic, cultural and community engagements. I met with The Wall Street Journal and prominent business media networks Bloomberg TV and CNBC to discuss economic issues.

In my discussions and briefings with business contacts, I set out the action the Government is taking to maintain and enhance Ireland as an attractive location for foreign investment. I also met with the heads of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Tourism Ireland and we discussed their business strategies.

I also met with Mayor Bloomberg at City Hall. He provided valuable insights into how the New York city administration operates. I am hopeful that Mayor Bloomberg will be in a position to accept my invitation to him to visit Dublin.

Over the course of my visit I repeated the priority I placed on the Ireland-US relationship and I announced a strategic review of this pivotal relationship, to maximise the benefits for everyone. This review is being led by the ambassador to the United States.

Supporting our diaspora and addressing the plight of the undocumented in the US are key objectives of the Government. During meetings with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and the Coalition of Irish Welfare Centres, we discussed ways in which we could try to help.

I also visited the United States on 25 September, 2008 where I addressed the UN General Assembly. I met with some members of the Ireland-America Economic Advisory Board in the course of my visit in July. I expect to have a formal meeting with them during my next visit to the United States for St. Patrick's Day. My Department remains in touch with the board through the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish embassy in Washington. The board is an important resource upon which the Government can draw, as required, for strategic advice, including personalised access to key contacts.

Deputies will be aware that on 24 September, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a new working holiday programme between Ireland and the United States. The agreement represents a very significant and positive development in our migration arrangements and will help foster the growth of new and lasting contacts between young people from both countries.

Over the coming weeks, I will meet with Senator Patrick Leahy and Congressman Richie Neal, chairman of the Friends of Ireland group and also with former Congressman Bruce Morrison when we will discuss those issues further.

Earlier this morning, on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, I sent a message of congratulations to President-elect, Barack Obama.

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