Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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179. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with the United States authorities the appointment of an ambassador; the likely timescale for such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14211/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ambassador Daniel M. Rooney completed his Mission as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ireland on 14 December 2012. Pending the nomination of his successor, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the United States of America is acting in the capacity of Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim. While the appointment of a new Ambassador is a matter for the sending state to initiate, we are keen to see that process concluded as soon as possible and to welcoming a new Ambassador to Ireland at the earliest opportunity. These points were reflected in the Taoiseach’s discussion on the matter with President Obama at the White House on 14 March.