Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 151 together.

Last month, I had the honour of visiting and representing the Government in the iconic Irish-American cities of Philadelphia and New York. I was delighted to join Mayor Cherelle Parker and the people of Philadelphia to march in their St. Patrick's day parade. I met with a number of community groups and laid a wreath at the Philadelphia Irish Famine memorial. I had high-level discussions with members of Congress from Pennsylvania, including Congressman Brendan Boyle and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, and I met with a range of exciting businesses with links to Ireland keen to see their business grow. I was struck by the Irish companies I met, including one from my home county of Wicklow, doing business in Philadelphia, as well as companies from Philadelphia doing business in Ireland, again demonstrating that two-way economic relationship.

In New York, I renewed important political relationships with Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams and Congressman Mike Lawler. It was a privilege to walk with the governor and lead the world-famous 5th Avenue St. Patrick's Day parade. I represented the Government at events in St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the New York Irish Arts Centre, which is an incredible testament to the arts and cultural links between New York and Ireland. It was absolute privilege to be in New York at a time when the whole city was celebrating Ireland's diaspora and culture.

My programme, as the Deputy can imagine, had a particular focus on engaging with strategic economic actors with global influence. This was motivated not only by the importance of our economic relationship with the United States, but also concern around the volatility and disruption caused by the threat of tariffs. At the Bank of Ireland hub in New York, I met young Irish innovators from the digital Irish network and discussed how the Government can support innovation and entrepreneurship. I also had an intensive programme of meetings with senior corporate decision-makers. These meetings focused on transatlantic trade, the impact of tariffs and the importance of maintaining Ireland's international competitiveness and attractive investment environment. I was reassured that the many senior corporate leaders with whom I engaged share my goal of protecting and deepening the mutually beneficial economic relationship between Ireland and the United States.

While the overall transatlantic economic environment is in an uncertain period, I returned from my visit convinced that St. Patrick’s Day remains not only a unique opportunity to celebrate Irish culture and recognise our diaspora, but also a platform to promote Ireland's trade and economic interests, in particular in the United States.

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