Taoiseach Undertakes First Official Visit to United States

Following today’s Cabinet meeting, the Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D., will travel to the United States for his first official visit since taking office.

The Taoiseach will undertake an intensive programme of engagements in the New York area, including meetings with senior US political and business figures, leading members of the Irish-American business community and Irish-American community and cultural organisations.

The Taoiseach will highlight the political, economic and cultural successes of modern Ireland and look to the future development of the economy and of Ireland’s relationship with the United States.   

The highlights of the programme include:

• meetings with Chairman of the Friends of Ireland in the US Congress Richie Neal, the New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg and the Governor of New Jersey Jon Corzine
• meetings with key business figures at the New York Stock Exchange and on Wall Street
• discussions with leading members of the Taoiseach’s Ireland-America Economic Advisory Board and other senior Irish American figures
• events hosted by the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland to promote inward investment, Irish business and tourism
• a keynote address at the Wall Street 50 Dinner, one of the premier Irish events of the year in New York
• engagements with the Irish community in New York and further afield, including groups involved in the campaign for immigration reform
• a number of events celebrating Ireland’s cultural contribution to America, including receptions for the Gate and Abbey theatres and at the Irish Arts Center in Manhattan.

The Taoiseach will also visit the World Trade Tribute Center at Ground Zero.

Speaking before his departure, the Taoiseach said:

“I am looking forward to an intensive series of engagements in the United States this week.   

I will be bringing a clear message that Ireland is now a confident and successful European country, with a coherent strategy to maintain that success and build for the future.   

I look forward to meeting our many friends in the United States and listening to their advice on how we can continue to work together during a turbulent period for the global economy.

I am also delighted to be meeting with representatives of the Irish community in America, who have been and remain a key part of Ireland’s international success story and of our nation.”

ENDS

Government Press Office

087 253 1675