Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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19. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline his engagements with the new United States ambassador to Ireland, providing details on the topics discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37854/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To maintain and strengthen Ireland’s significant, and mutually beneficial, cultural, political and economic relationships with the United States is a key priority for me as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.I was pleased to represent the Government at the diplomatic credentials ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin on 1 July, where the new US Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Edward Walsh, was among those presenting credentials to President Michael D Higgins.I was also pleased to represent the Government at the Independence Day celebrations at the Residence of the US Ambassador on 3 July.

It was a good opportunity to express my appreciation for the strong and positive bilateral links between our two countries. I also stressed Ireland’s willingness to work with our U.S. partners to find a negotiated solution that allows us to continue the flow of free trade without tariffs between the EU and the U.S.

I underlined the vital need to work towards an unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East, the return of all hostages and flow of humanitarian relief for the citizens of Gaza. Finally, I made clear Ireland’s support for the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

I am scheduled to have a further bilateral meeting with Ambassador Walsh next week.