Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 7: To ask the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his visit to the United States over the St. Patrick's Day period. [12486/10]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 8: To ask the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his contacts with political leaders during his visit to the United States over the St. Patrick's day period. [12487/10]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 9: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit last month to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12952/10]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 10: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting last month with the US President; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12953/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 11: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit last month to the United States. [13707/10]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 11, inclusive, together.

I travelled to the United States on Friday, 12 March for engagements in Chicago, San Jose and Washington. There was a very strong economic dimension to my visit, including a trade mission to Silicon Valley and Washington DC involving more than 75 Irish companies and meetings with leading US companies. The over-riding priority for the Government over the St. Patrick's Day period was to send a strong positive message about Ireland's plan for economic recovery and the actions we have taken to confront our economic problems and to build a sustainable economic future for our people.

While in Chicago, as well as attending community events, I met with Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois, Mayor Richard M. Daley of Chicago and members of the Global Irish Network based there.

I travelled to Silicon Valley on Sunday, 14 March. While there, I met with the Mayor of San Jose, the President of Stanford University, Mr. John Hennessy, and I was briefed by the Irish Technology Leadership Group. I also launched a new Irish network in America and I opened a new Irish innovation centre. I met with senior representatives of leading US multinational companies with successful investments in Ireland, and a number of Irish companies that are successfully doing business in the United States. I also addressed a major business lunch in Silicon Valley. In the course of my address, I focused on the Government's economic recovery plan, with a particular emphasis on the smart economy and the implementation of the report of the innovation taskforce, which is central to our economic renewal.

My programme in Washington began on Tuesday 16 March with a meeting with the economic advisory board and members of the Global Irish Network. We had a very useful exchange on the current economic situation both global and domestic. I also met with Congressman Richie Neal and the friends of Ireland group and discussed recent developments in Northern Ireland and the undocumented Irish.

Later that day I announced the appointment of Mr. Gabriel Byrne as cultural ambassador for Ireland. The appointment recognised the worldwide importance of Ireland's culture and its profound connection to our economy, which was one of the major conclusions of the global Irish economic forum at Farmleigh. The cultural ambassador will work closely with the Government, Culture Ireland and artistic bodies to develop an artistic vision that is inclusive of the Irish diaspora throughout the world. Later that evening I addressed the American Ireland Fund's gala dinner, where the honouree was Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. In the course of my address, I thanked the Secretary of State for her contribution to the peace process, including her continued interest and assistance in the process in recent months and weeks. While in Washington I also met with Northern Ireland First Minister, Peter Robinson MLA and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MLA.

On St. Patrick's Day, I attended a breakfast meeting with Vice-President Biden at his residence. After breakfast, I travelled to the White House for a bilateral meeting with President Obama. Our meeting focused on the push for global economic recovery, recent developments in Northern Ireland, European and international issues and Ireland-US relations including immigration reform. Later, I attended lunch on Capitol Hill hosted by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. I also met with Senators Chris Dodd and Pat Leahy and we discussed Northern Ireland and economic developments.

My programme in Washington concluded with a reception in the White House, where I made the traditional presentation of shamrock to President Obama, as a symbol of the continuing close ties between our two countries. We both paid tribute to the memory of Senator Ted Kennedy, whose absence was keenly felt on Capitol Hill this St. Patrick's Day.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I thank the Taoiseach for his reply and for setting out the details of what was clearly a full and successful programme during his visit to the US. I welcome the appointment of Mr. Gabriel Byrne as Ireland's cultural ambassador, but can the Taoiseach tell the House a bit more about what this appointment means? What exactly will he do and what supports are being provided to him? Are staff, offices and infrastructure provided? What does it actually mean?

I understand that the Taoiseach spoke with President Obama about the strengthening of economic ties between Ireland and the US, which again is very welcome. Was there any discussion of the President Obama's initial plans to make changes in the US tax regime that might have impacted on the American companies that invest in Ireland? When the President was elected, there was some concern that changes in the US tax regime would have a negative impact on US companies investing abroad, including Ireland.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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There are no offices and so on attached to the position of cultural ambassador. The new ambassador will work closely with the Government, with Culture Ireland and with artistic bodies to develop a vision that is inclusive of the Irish diaspora throughout the world. It is about how we can promote culture on its own intrinsic merit to expand the footprint of the country worldwide, so that people can know who and what we are. There are also economic ties to culture, such as cultural events and the impact they make. There are many prominent Irish people involved in the cultural life of many societies around the world. The US contains a huge part of the business of culture, otherwise known as the entertainment industry.

Mr. Gabriel Byrne is somebody who can assist Ireland in that respect. He will work with Culture Ireland and with artistic bodies. He will be involved in trying to make sure that we assist in funding for the new arts theatre in New York. There is a range of issues involved, but it is open for Mr. Byrne to use those issues. These bodies will work with him on how to use his personage as a means of promoting our country and our culture in the US and elsewhere. He may not be our only cultural ambassador in the future, as others might be of assistance as well. It provides an outlet for the diaspora to contribute in a meaningful way to modern Ireland.

The second question was on fiscal issues. On my first meeting with President Obama last year, he made it clear when I raised this issue - and perhaps it was more current, not long after his inauguration - that he does not regard Ireland as being among the countries that he would have in mind. He was talking about those where people name-plate their operations and use such jurisdictions for fiscal purposes. That is an issue which is not only a matter of policy development or an ultimate decision for the President, but also for Congress. Therefore there would be a considerable legislative process to be considered as to how all that would work out. We will be in close touch with senators and members of Congress, including the Friends of Ireland group who will be of assistance to us in that respect as well, to ensure that there is a clear understanding of Ireland's position. We are totally compliant regarding all international tax treaties. It is not well known by some who do not know how the relationship has developed, particularly the economic relationship, so we will also use the opportunity to emphasise the level of cross-investment between Irish-owned companies in the United States which, in terms of employment, practically mirrors the level of employment of US companies here. That fact is not even well known, understood or appreciated at home, let alone abroad.

There are 227 Irish companies with operations in the United States, employing more than 81,000 people across 2,630 US locations. That gives an indication of just how changed the relationship is in terms of an industrial, manufacturing and services presence in the United States by Irish companies. We are currently the 13th largest investor in the United States with cumulative investments valued at approximately $34 billion. The US is Ireland's largest services trading partner, and our second largest merchandise trading partner. Taken together, that trade was valued at $50.5 billion in 2008. Therefore the economic relationship between the United States and Ireland is one of significant two-way trade and investment that generates jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. We see ourselves as representing the perfect gateway for US industry to the European market. Getting those messages across in the context of how people view Ireland is an important part of the discussion and interaction we will have, not only with President Obama and his administration's officials but also with Congress.

Despite last year's difficult trading conditions, 47 Irish companies opened up operations in the United States. There is a huge opportunity for us there, even in the current difficult circumstances. As we move out of recession and as world trading conditions improve, the diverse nature of Irish trade in America is an important factor in our recovery.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As the Taoiseach is aware, on many occasions, Deputy Ring has raised the question on behalf of the Fine Gael Party of the undocumented Irish in America. In the Taoiseach's discussions with President Obama, did the latter indicate whether his Administration will attempt to introduce comprehensive immigration legislation or a bilateral arrangement? The Taoiseach is aware of the continuing difficulties that some undocumented Irish are having, which will probably be exacerbated because of the numbers travelling to America because of the economic crisis here. There will therefore be many more undocumented Irish people there in future. Did the Taoiseach make any comment to President Obama in respect of his Government's approach to that matter?

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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On the same issue, did the Taoiseach avail of an opportunity to raise the situation of undocumented Irish immigrants in the United States? Arising from whatever exchange took place, if any, can the Taoiseach advise if progress is expected to alleviate their plight?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Yes, I did raise the issue directly with the President and with others. The feeling in the United States is that the best prospect for a solution for the undocumented is through comprehensive immigration reform. President Obama signalled that comprehensive immigration reform remains high on his agenda. I would emphasise that while it is a difficult political issue domestically, the President is committed to finding a solution in a comprehensive immigration proposal. That requires congressional consensus as well, but there is a strong and genuine interest on the President's part to try to deal with this issue within the constraints he must operate under.

Deputy Gilmore referred to the issue of the cultural ambassador. Culture Ireland will organise a season of Irish arts in the United States in 2011, showcasing world-class Irish artists and companies and reinvesting in our unique cultural relationship with America. It will include clusters of events in a range of key cities, including New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, among others. Gabriel Byrne has played a key role in developing the concept for that season. As cultural ambassador, he will be advising Culture Ireland, as well as Irish embassies and consulates in the United States, on creating a dynamic programme of arts, ideas, debate and reflection, which will help to foster a renewed, forward-looking cultural relationship between Ireland and America.