Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 119 together.

I thank the Deputy for his kind comments. Since assuming my new role, I have had the opportunity for constructive exchanges with both the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, and the newly appointed US special envoy to Northern Ireland for economic affairs, Joe Kennedy III. During my recent call with the Secretary of State, we discussed the conflict in Ukraine as well as a number of other foreign policy issues of mutual interest.

In particular, our discussion focused on Northern Ireland. Secretary of State Blinken emphasised the Biden Administration's support for the restoration of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and the significance of the upcoming 25th anniversary.

The contribution which US special envoys to Northern Ireland have made has been greatly valued by successive Governments. I have welcomed the appointment of Joe Kennedy as special envoy to Northern Ireland with a mandate for economic affairs. This appointment also comes as we prepare to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, an agreement which owes much to American support. I look forward to working closely with the special envoy. His role, focused on economic opportunity, will complement some of the economic work being undertaken by the shared island initiative, helping to consolidate the Good Friday Agreement through enhancing the prosperity of, and opportunities available to, all the people of Northern Ireland and the Border counties. As part of that process, Ireland's ambassador in Washington DC hosted an informal event with the special envoy last week, which included members of the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement. I will travel to Washington DC next week for meetings with senior members of the US Administration and other key opinion formers.

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