Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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208. To ask the Taoiseach if he met with any US fracked gas communities (details supplied) during his time in the United States; and if not, the reason therefor. [15517/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I visited Austin and Washington D.C. for a programme of events to mark St. Patrick’s Day. In both locations I had a wide range of engagements meeting political counterparts, Irish community engagements, and business engagements facilitated by the relevant state agencies.

In Texas I met with Governor Abbott. My political engagements in Washington included breakfast with the Vice President and First Lady, and a bilateral meeting with President Trump.

A wide range of issues were discussed across these engagements including US-Irish bilateral relations, including economic relations, developments in Northern Ireland, and global issues including the Middle East and Ukraine. The importance of energy security in a more uncertain world, and the cost of energy as a key input to industry, came up in some meetings. I highlighted the importance of the transition to renewable sources with the strong potential for off-shore wind for Ireland in that regard. I also stressed the need for energy security in the interim, in which LNG can play a part.

My very full programme did not include meeting the communities named in the Deputy’s Question.