Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

197. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has plans to meet the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Mr. John Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33658/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Today is the final day of my five-day visit to the United States, with my programme including US-specific contacts as well as engagements related to the United Nations General Assembly.

Contacts with US authorities throughout the visit have been extensive. As part of my UN programme, I participated at a number of engagements and discussions hosted by President Obama and had an opportunity to speak with the President. Yesterday I visited Washington where I met a cross-section of leading Democratic and Republican colleagues on Capitol Hill and briefed the friends of Ireland on the talks process in Northern Ireland. My focus in these meetings has been on Northern Ireland and on immigration reform. Later today I will meet with Assistant Secretary of State, Ms. Victoria Nuland.

I, my Department and our Embassy in Washington have ongoing and regular contacts with the US Department of State on a variety of issues. In particular, following my meeting with Secretary of State Kerry last year, he appointed former US Senator Gary Hart as his personal representative to Northern Ireland.

Secretary Kerry and Senator Hart have been hugely valuable partners to all participants at Northern Ireland talks, both last year in the lead-up to the Stormont House Agreement and this year during the current talks process.