Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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288. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he plans to invite the Governor of Washington to Ireland for a bilateral meeting. [24286/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's Consulate General in San Francisco covers the region of Northern California, as well as the U.S. states of Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

The Consulate General in San Francisco routinely engages with key stakeholders across all states within its remit, including the local Irish community and state political representatives, and maintains contact with local authorities in order to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens as required.

Minister O’Donovan visited Seattle in March this year as part of his St Patrick’s Day Programme. Minister Buttimer, in his previous role as Cathaoirleach, also visited Seattle for the 2024 St Patrick’s Day Programme. Denny Heck, Lt Governor of Washington State, visited Dublin in July 2024, engaging with Minister O’Brien and Minister Buttimer (both in their previous roles).

I am not aware of any planned visit to Ireland by the Governor of Washington State, Bob Ferguson. However, the Government welcomes all opportunities to engage with political leaders from across the United States, and my Department stands ready to assist in planning such visits.