Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 12, inclusive, together.

I travelled to the United States on 14 March accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Mícheál Martin.

On Sunday, 15 March, I launched a major review of Ireland-US relations entitled, Ireland and America: Challenges and Opportunities in a New Context. This review, prepared by the ambassador at my request, reflects the changing nature of the Irish-American relationship and sets out how we can re-energise and renew that relationship. It is the first significant review of diplomatic relations with the United States since the 1930s and includes a number of recommendations that will re-energise and ultimately transform how Ireland does her business in America.

On Monday, 16 March, I led a successful trade mission on behalf of Enterprise Ireland. This involved up to 100 exporters and contracts worth $130 million with their US customers in this year alone. I believe the value of those deals will ultimately reach more than $500 million in the coming years. These contracts demonstrate the faith US industry has in the capability and potential of Irish-owned companies.

Later that day, I attended the US-Ireland Council event hosted by Tourism Ireland where I placed a particular emphasis on promotion of Irish tourism in the valuable US market. I briefed business leaders on the Government's strategy to tackle the challenges of a contracting global economy and to encourage further investment into Ireland. Later that afternoon, I travelled to Washington to attend the annual American Ireland Fund dinner.

On the morning of St Patrick's Day, before I went to the White House, I met with the Friends of Ireland group led by Congressman Richie Neal. I briefed the group on the situation in Northern Ireland, the review of US Ireland relations, and immigration reform was also discussed.

At my bilateral meeting with President Obama at the White House, I updated the President on recent developments in Northern Ireland. I was heartened by the President's strong message of support for the peace process. He also made it clear that the United States will always stand with those who work for peace.

President Obama and I also discussed the global economic situation, the banking crisis and trade and investment between the US and Ireland as well as a range of international issues. Later, at the shamrock ceremony, I presented the President with the traditional gift of shamrock to symbolise the friendship and deep ties between Ireland and the United States. I also invited the President to visit Ireland and I hope he will be able to take up that invitation at some time during his term of office. President Obama also announced the appointment of Dan Rooney, a long and valued friend of Ireland, as US ambassador to Ireland.

Later that afternoon, I was honoured to attend lunch with President Obama and our friends on Capitol Hill hosted by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Following lunch, I met with Senators Patrick Leahy and Chris Dodd before meeting the Ireland America Economic Advisory Board to discuss economic issues and how Ireland can position itself for future economic growth. At all of my meetings I emphasised that Ireland is taking every step to ensure support for the banking sector, that we are working hard to improve the position of the public finances, restore competitiveness and maintain and create as many jobs as possible.

Later that evening, I addressed a reception hosted by the ambassador in co-operation with Enterprise Ireland. I then went to the White House where the President and First Lady hosted a St. Patrick's Day reception and where I also met Vice President Biden. The visit demonstrated the enduring links between Ireland and the United States at so many levels; political, cultural, economic and community.

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