Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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415. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised with the US Administration the appointment of a special envoy to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18009/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Successive US Administrations have provided immensely valuable support to the peace process over the last three decades and the Government hopes that the new US Administration will also remain actively engaged with Northern Ireland. The work of successive US Envoys – from Senator George Mitchell to, most recently, Senator Gary Hart – has been very helpful in sustaining momentum and overcoming obstacles in the peace process.

During my visit to Washington DC in February of this year, I conveyed the Government’s appreciation for US engagement with the peace process to senior political figures, as did the Taoiseach during his recent visit for the events around St. Patrick’s Day. While the appointment of a new US Special Envoy for Northern Ireland is a matter for consideration by the US Administration, the Government would of course strongly welcome such an appointment.

In the immediate period ahead, the Government would particularly welcome the continued support of the US Administration and Congress in encouraging the parties in Northern Ireland to take the necessary steps to ensure that the devolved power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are re-established without delay, which is in the interests of all in Northern Ireland.