Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I remember the challenges to do with envoys previously. I agree with the Deputy's broader point on the need to empower as many people as possible to engage. I will reflect on his point. The first way we should do that is by continuing to facilitate and host Congressional delegations, known as CODELs, whereby people from both sides of the aisle, Republicans and Democrats, travel to Ireland together. One of the most recent delegations, which visited in April, included three members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. They met with a number of Oireachtas Members and Government representatives. We plan to proactively engage with further CODELs due to visit Ireland in the coming months, which will include a number of important interlocutors.

The Deputy is right that we have built up great relationships over the years with senior Irish-American figures. We need to look to the next generation of people who may have an affinity with our country. I acknowledge the work done by the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad. The US is a federation and engaging on a state-by-state basis is very important.

See this speech in context