Written answers

Thursday, 23 April 2009

Department of Foreign Affairs

Official Engagements

5:00 am

Photo of John DeasyJohn Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15997/09]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I visited New York and Washington from 15 to 18 March.

On St. Patrick's Day, I accompanied the Taoiseach at his meeting with President Obama, and at other engagements. The discussions with the President covered a wide range of priority issues for Ireland and the United States.

President Obama was most generous with his time and hospitality during the visit, hosting the traditional Shamrock Ceremony and bilateral meeting at the White House. He also attended the Speaker's Luncheon on Capitol Hill, as did Vice President Biden. The President and Mrs. Obama later hosted an evening reception at the White House which was also attended by Vice-President and Mrs. Biden.

In Washington, I had a very useful meeting with Secretary of State Hillary 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 cooperation on development issues and in the area of conflict resolution.

In relation to Northern Ireland, I took the opportunity to assure Secretary Clinton of the steadfast determination of both Governments, and of the political parties in Northern Ireland, to consolidate the progress already made, and to ensure that the peace and stability achieved would not be compromised by the cowardly acts of an unrepresentative few. I also met with the First Minister and deputy First Minister when I attended an event hosted by the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington.

In New York, I participated in a trade mission organised by Enterprise Ireland and met with a number of companies announcing significant investments in Ireland. I also raised the issues of the immigration reform and the undocumented with Senator Chuck Schumer, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration and met with representatives of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR).

While in Washington, I called on Congresswoman Zoë Lofgren, Chair of the House Subcommittee on Immigration.

Also in Washington, I joined the Taoiseach in meetings with Senators Dodd and Leahy, and with Congressman Richie Neal and other members of the Friends of Ireland group.

While in New York, I participated in the launch, by the Taoiseach, of the Ireland-US Strategic Review. My Department is currently working to advance the key recommendations contained in that Review.

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