Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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118. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent discussions with the authorities in the United States in relation to the appointment by President Biden of a Special Envoy to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62377/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Good Friday Agreement and the peace process in Northern Ireland are not simply an achievement of the Irish and British Governments and the political representatives of the people of Northern Ireland, but one to which successive US Administrations and Members of Congress have also made important contributions.

The Government recognises the support which President Biden has given to the consolidation of peace in Northern Ireland, as he has done consistently throughout his career.

Over many decades, US administrations both Democratic and Republican have nominated Special Envoys to Northern Ireland. Each one of these Special Envoys has played an important role in building peace in Northern Ireland and, also, in assisting economic development.

The role of the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland has been greatly valued by successive Irish Governments, and the possible appointment of a new Envoy was something I discussed during my most recent visit to Washington, D.C. last month.

Decisions on the appointment of US Special Envoys are of course a matter for the US authorities. However, the Government welcomes all engagement and support by the US to ensure the Good Friday Agreement is upheld, and in that context we would welcome the appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland.