Minister of State Carey's Speech at the Charitable Irish Society Dinner

President Charles Dumbaugh, I would like to thank you for the kind invitation to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with you this evening, and for the opportunity afforded me to address this gathering. It is a distinct privilege to represent the Irish Government in this great city of Boston, but particularly here, tonight, among the members of its oldest, Irish organisation now in its 272^nd year.

I know that the Charitable Irish Society has a very long record of assisting Irish immigrants settling into this city but it has also down through the years promoted the interests of the Irish people and their cultural heritage. In both respects you have made an important contribution to furthering Irish interests here in America.

Ireland and the United States have traditionally enjoyed close political, economic and cultural relations. Our relationship is supported by close bonds of kinship and shared values. And it is one that we cherish.

While dark economic clouds may seem to be gathering across the globe, the strong partnership which our two countries enjoy - a partnership which has been strengthened during the recent years of prosperity - can now be used as a platform to assist our two nations.

For all of us, it is how we respond to these challenges that will define our potential and our success in the years ahead.

Ireland is well placed to tackle the challenges presented by the present global economic downturn, with a strong base of modern industry, a highly skilled and flexible workforce, a positive fiscal environment and a pro-business culture.

Our response to the challenges has been swift and, importantly, we have tried to keep our eyes on the medium and long term while addressing the immediate difficulties. For example

· We are investing to promote innovation and greater investment in research and development. Up to €500 million will be generated to create a new fund, known as ‘Innovation Fund – Ireland’, to support early stage R&D-intensive Small to Medium sized Enterprises.

· In December, we published a blueprint for economic development which builds on the strengths of the Irish economy and which, in implementation, will see Ireland become a smart, green economy.

· And Government incentives and support for a green economy will provide new enterprise opportunities. All the indications are that Ireland can become a world leader in this area.

So, although the global economy is facing an exceptional crisis, we are taking exceptional measures to deal with it. And, at the same time, we are continuing to plan for, and invest in, the future.

There are many pressing issues facing Governments around the globe as they try to cope with the current serious economic situation. In so far as we can, we are trying to lessen the impact on the most vulnerable members of our community. Unrelated to the unfolding international economic setback, are the continuing problems being faced by undocumented Irish immigrants in the US.

The Irish Government is very much aware of the difficulties which Irish emigrants have faced in the past and that a small number still face in the United States. Though the difficulties experienced here have evolved over time, our commitment to supporting our Irish abroad remains strong. We continue to hope and encourage the new administration in Washington to address the issue of comprehensive immigration reform in the near future and thereby provide a basis for a resolution for our undocumented. The Society’s close cooperation with the Irish Immigration Centre and the Irish Pastoral Centre who deal with this issue on a daily basis and the support extended to those in the Irish community who face difficulties is warmly appreciated.

We have seen incredible progress in Northern Ireland in the past year, with the further consolidation of the Institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and progress towards increasingly normalised politics.

While the attacks by dissident republican paramilitaries last week were truly appalling acts, it is important to remember that those who perpetrated these atrocities are a tiny minority on the fringe of society who do not represent any community in Northern Ireland.

I want to stress that the efforts of a small few who would seek to drag Northern Ireland back to the past will not be allowed to succeed.

The two Governments will work closely together with the political parties in Northern Ireland to ensure the enormous achievements of peace and stability are sustained and embedded.

The peace process and the restoration of power sharing in Northern Ireland is an Irish success story and one of which we are rightly proud. However, it could not have happened without the steadfast support that the United States has given to us.

That support continues to this day and remains vital as we move forward in consolidating the peace which was so hard won.

May you have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and a healthy, peaceful, prosperous future. Thank you again for your hospitality this evening.