Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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62. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to mark the 250th Anniversary of American independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38302/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The United States of America has begun a one-year countdown to 4 July 2026, which marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

This significant anniversary will present Ireland with an important platform to highlight the distinct contribution made by the Irish, not only to the foundation of the US, but also to its political, economic and social development over the past 250 years. Ireland intends to become a formal international partner of the America250 Congressional Commission, which will lead on a number of the key events marking the 250th anniversary throughout 2026, through the signing a Memorandum of Understanding. Through Ireland’s collaboration with the America250 Commission, we will participate in the main political events marking the anniversary, along with other European partners. This engagement will serve to underline the continued mutually beneficial Ireland-US political and economic relationship.

In parallel, my Department are developing a programme of cultural, academic and people-to-people events to be delivered in the US, highlighting the history of Ireland's contribution to the establishment and development of the US. There are a number of distinct themes which will be explored through this programme, including the service of Irish-Americans on the building and shaping of the United States and the inspiration provided by the US independence struggle in Ireland's own journey towards independence more than a century later.

The programme will take place across the US throughout the first half of 2026, including around the Saint Patrick’s Day 2026 period. My Department will work closely with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport in planning this programme, and are also engaging with the Department of Communities in Northern Ireland, who are working on a number of events highlighting the role and contribution of the Ulster Scots community to the US independence story.