Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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401. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will issue an official invitation to the new President of the United States of America to visit Ireland and County Mayo at the earliest opportunity. [4203/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Strengthening bilateral relations with the US is a priority for Ireland, as set out in the Programme for Government. Ireland takes great pride in President Biden’s election, and we in Government look forward to working closely with the new Administration on our bilateral agenda, on developing the EU-US relationship, and on tackling the pressing global challenges facing us all.

The President has always been a stalwart friend and supporter of Ireland, including of the peace, prosperity, and opportunity made possible by the Good Friday Agreement to which he has pledged his ongoing steadfast support. We look forward to working with him in the years ahead to sustain and strengthen Irish American relations. We also look forward to working with the new Administration on the many global challenges facing the international community, from the pandemic to climate change to promoting peace and security, as well as on issues of particular importance to our bilateral relationship.

High level visits between our two countries are an intrinsic part of this relationship and will continue to play an important role in strengthening the ties between Ireland and the US. President Biden has visited Ireland many times before, including as Senator and as Vice President. An invitation has been extended by the Taoiseach to President Biden and we very much hope to welcome him to Ireland again, early in his Presidency and once circumstances allow.