Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way he assesses the foreign policy priorities of the US Administration. [15392/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government welcomes the strong indications from the Obama Administration of its intention to engage with the international community, and to work co-operatively to address a range of issues of concern to countries around the world. Both President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton have made clear their readiness to bring a fresh perspective to many of the issues on the international agenda. This has already been reflected in new approaches to various foreign policy problems, and in greater openness to working with others to address global challenges.

As a long-standing and close friend of the United States, Ireland attaches high importance to developing further its co-operation with the United States on areas of mutual interest. The Deputy will be aware that the Taoiseach's meeting with President Obama at the White House on St. Patrick's Day offered an invaluable opportunity for detailed engagement with the President and his new Administration. The discussions with President Obama covered a wide range of issues, including in the foreign policy field, of interest to Ireland and the United States.

Also in Washington, I had a very useful meeting with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. We discussed a broad range of foreign policy issues, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Cuba, developments in the European Union and immigration reform. We also discussed the scope for co-operation on development issues and in the area of conflict resolution. I welcomed the emphasis which the Secretary of State has placed on using "smart power" to address the various global challenges before us, and we agreed that there was scope to expand our cooperation in this regard.

With regard to the overall development of links between Ireland and the United States, the Deputy will be aware that the Taoiseach last month launched the Strategic Review of Ireland-US relations. Among a wide range of recommendations aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries, the Review highlights the value of a strengthened dialogue between Ireland and the United States on foreign policy issues. My Department is at present working to advance this and other recommendations contained in the Review.

Ireland and the United States enjoy close political, economic and cultural relations. Successive Presidents and their Administrations, and Ireland's many friends on Capitol Hill from both sides of the aisle, have made an enormous contribution to bringing peace and economic prosperity to this island. The Government attaches the highest importance to strengthening the unique relationship between the two countries and will continue to work with the United States on issues of common concern.