Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I welcome the opportunity to update the House on the issue of the appointment of a US ambassador to Ireland. The former ambassador, Mr. Dan Rooney, completed his mission to Ireland on 14 December 2012. Pending the nomination of his successor, the deputy head of mission at the US embassy is acting in the capacity of chargé d'affaires, ad interim. He and his colleagues at the embassy are in frequent contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on a broad range of issues of mutual concern.
While the appointment of a new ambassador is a matter for the sending state to initiate, and we are conscious that the process for ambassadorial nomination and appointment is rigorous and lengthy, the Tánaiste is keen to see that process concluded as soon as possible and to welcoming and working with the new US ambassador to Ireland at the earliest opportunity. It is a matter to which the Government attaches considerable importance. The Taoiseach raised the issue with the US President, Mr. Obama, in their discussions during his St. Patrick's Day visit to Washington DC last month.
Members will agree with me that it is only fitting that there be a resident US ambassador to Ireland to reflect the extraordinary strength and depth of the relationship that exists between our two countries. That relationship is evident in so many ways. For example, the US is home to our largest and most powerful diaspora of approximately 36 million people. It is our most important source of foreign direct investment, as well as one of our top sources of investment, trade and tourists. It remains an indispensable partner in the Northern Ireland peace process. We will continue to work on the further development of all these aspects of our bilateral relationship with the United States.
The Government is in continuing contact with the US authorities on the appointment of a new US ambassador. We expect that a nomination will be forthcoming in the near future.