Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Sustained engagement with senior US interlocutors is a manifestation of Ireland's close relations with the United States, and remains a priority for the Government, with a steady rhythm of high level visits in both directions. So far this year, there have been over 20 visits to the US by Irish Ministers, in addition to visits to Ireland by senior figures in the US administration and Congress.

I last had a bilateral exchange with Secretary Blinken during President Biden's visit to Ireland in April, during which we discussed foreign policy matters of shared interest and concern. This followed a phone call I had with Secretary Blinken in January of this year, during which we discussed Northern Ireland and Russia's war in Ukraine, among other issues.

I have also had several other recent engagements with high-level US officials. In August, I had the opportunity to meet the US Secretary of the Navy in Dublin, as well as two Congressional Delegations led by Senator Chris Murphy and Representative Pat Fallon.

During the 78th United Nations General Assembly high-level week in September, I had a bilateral meeting with Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. Also during UN high-level week, the Taoiseach and I had the opportunity to briefly meet President Biden, and I also spoke to several members of the US Administration, including in relation to Northern Ireland.

I had meetings with Deputy Secretary of State Sherman and with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan during my last visit to Washington, DC in February.

I look forward to continuing high level political engagement with senior United States figures on critical issues for Ireland, in addition to the day-to-day engagement with the State Department and other US interlocutors by the team in Ireland's Embassy in Washington D.C. and our Consulates General across the US.