Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has spoken or attempted to speak to Senator Barack Obama since his election victory on 4 November 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40499/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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On behalf of the Government, the Taoiseach sent a message of congratulations to President-Elect Obama, in which he affirmed the Government's commitment to further build and strengthen relations between Ireland and the United States. He assured the President-Elect of the friendship and goodwill of the people and Government of Ireland as he prepares to assume the responsibilities of office. The Taoiseach has also extended his best wishes to Vice President-Elect Biden.

The Taoiseach and I look forward to working with the new President and his Administration, and with the newly elected Congress, to build on the existing deep and cherished ties of kinship between our two countries. In that regard, the Taoiseach and I met this week with Senator Patrick Leahy, who was leading a trade delegation from Vermont. We took the opportunity during his visit to discuss matters of mutual interest to both our countries. In addition, Congressman Richie Neal will lead a Congressional Delegation here in December.