As I undertake my first official visit to the United States as the Minister of State for Diaspora and International Development this week to engage with Ireland’s diaspora, I am reminded of the rich foundation of ancestral ties and close economic, diplomatic and political links that have developed between Ireland and America.
These links predate the foundation of both countries. For centuries, Irish immigrants have come to the U.S., making this country their home, and contributing to every aspect of life, work and society. It is amazing to note that over half of all U.S. Presidents have ancestry rooted in the island of Ireland.
In turn, events in the U.S. had a huge influence on Ireland. The ideals of the American Revolution inspired Irish independence movements. Political support from the U.S. was instrumental in the foundation of Ireland. The role of the Irish diaspora here is recognised in the 1916 proclamation of independence and Ireland sent its first ever Ambassador to Washington D.C. following the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1924.
The United States’ deep and sustained engagement with Northern Ireland has been one of the most significant success stories in American foreign policy. The signing of the Good Friday Agreement, which brought peace to Northern Ireland, could not have happened without American support and perseverance. As a result, we have seen a whole generation grow to adulthood outside of the shadow of violence.
The depth of our bilateral relationship goes beyond peace and politics, as important as these strands are.
Over the last number of decades we have seen a deeply integrated and mutually beneficial economic relationship develop between Ireland and America; one that is now valued at over one trillion dollars, creating prosperity and jobs for large numbers of people on both sides of the Atlantic.
Ireland is now one of the world’s most prosperous, creative and dynamic economies, with the U.S. our most significant trading and investment partner. Our companies invest more than $350 billion in America, delivering over 200,000 jobs located across all 50 states. In return, more than 900 US-owned firms have their European headquarters in Ireland, providing 180,000 jobs.
A rising tide lifts all boats and the Irish Government is determined to protect and deepen this relationship, which delivers significant benefits for both countries and peoples.
We do not want to see disruption with tariffs and uncertainty. Tariffs are counter-productive; they drive inflation, hurting consumers on all sides. Now is the time to get into a substantive, calm, measured and comprehensive dialogue with the United States. This is also the position of the EU. I welcome the pause in further threatened U.S. tariffs of 50% until July 9 to allow negotiations to take place.
The EU-U.S. trade and investment relationship is the biggest in the world. More than €4.2 billion worth of goods and services are traded between the EU and U.S. daily. Disrupting this deeply integrated relationship will have serious consequences for all concerned.
The EU has outlined its willingness to negotiate a zero-for-zero tariff agreement with the U.S. and remains committed to constructive negotiations with the goal of achieving frictionless and mutually beneficial trade. Ireland supports this position and will continue to advocate for such an outcome.
The current uncertainty does not define our relationship however. Regardless of the outcome, our ambition remains to strengthen our political, cultural, economic and trade relationship with the U.S. at all levels.
We have a valued diaspora in America. Over 31.5 million people claim Irish ancestry here. The main purpose of my visit this week is to hear from this community and to ensure our relationship with Irish America is a dynamic one that meets their needs and can adapt to evolving circumstances. This will be the first of many consultations in the United States this year as the Government develops its new Diaspora Strategy to support our Irish community overseas.
We are also committed to supporting our communities and strengthening ties through an increased presence in America. So far this year, Ireland has appointed our three newest Honorary Consuls – in Detroit, Michigan, Orlando, Florida and Buffalo, New York. This brings our total number of Honorary Consuls to 14; each playing a vital role in promoting Ireland, supporting Irish communities and strengthening the bonds between those communities and Ireland.
The growth of our Honorary Consul network is just one element of the Irish Government’s commitment to enhance our presence across the United States.
The openings of our new Ireland House in New York last September and another in Chicago in March, is another expression of this commitment and has facilitated even greater engagement with our diaspora in those regions as well as promoting our business links through our excellent State Agencies, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Bord Bia.
Next year America will celebrate 250 years of independence. It will be a great occasion that will provide an opportunity for reflection on the significant contribution of Irish America as we mark such an important anniversary.
We are living in turbulent times, but one thing that remains true and continues to hold is the strong bond of friendship that exists between Ireland and the United States of America. Ireland has played a significant role in the story of America, a role we wish to continue long into the future.
Neale Richmond TD is Minister of State at Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for Diaspora and International Development.
