Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he discussed issues which are directly affecting the Irish peace process and the difficulties that have been experienced recently with loyalist protest, with the American Secretary of State John Kerry, during their meeting on 18 March. [15526/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As part of my visit to the US over the St. Patrick’s Day period, I had a bilateral meeting with Secretary of State Kerry in Washington D.C. on 18 March. This followed recent meetings in Rome on 27 February and in Shannon on 6 March. We discussed a range of subjects including Northern Ireland, the Irish economy, international issues including the Middle East peace process, and the prospects for comprehensive immigration reform in the US.

The Secretary of State was well informed and keenly interested in developments in Northern Ireland. I briefed him on our ongoing work to encourage and support the First and deputy First Minister as they address the political, economic and social challenges facing Northern Ireland.

I expressed appreciation for US engagement and interest in Northern Ireland affairs and welcomed the Secretary of State’s renewed commitment to continuing that engagement in the period ahead.