The Taoiseach has launched a major review of Ireland-US relations entitled "Ireland and America: Challenges and Opportunities in a New Context". Speaking in New York, the Taoiseach said:
"When I came to New York last year, I spoke about how America was changing and how our relationship was changing.
I asked the Ambassador in the United States to prepare a report for me on how we could re-energise and renew that relationship.
The Government approved this report last week and I am launching it during my visit to America for the St Patrick's Day celebrations.
It is the first significant review of diplomatic relations with the United States since the 1930s. It includes the opening of a new Consulate General in Atlanta serving Georgia and other states in the region. The Honorary Consular network will also be expanded to reach out more widely to business and to Irish communities.
We are undertaking a large number of new initiatives across the full breadth of our relationship. This will re-energise and ultimately transform how Ireland does her business in America.
It is a vital part of our country's future prosperity. "
Note for Editors
The report sets out several key objectives:
A revitalised relationship between Ireland and the United States, shaped to meet the challenges of a new era
A strong and mutually beneficial economic partnership
A deep and enduring engagement with the Irish diaspora in the US
A vibrant Irish community with new possibilities for young people to work, gain experience and live in the United States
A strong partnership with the Irish American community and with US authorities in caring for the 'forgotten Irish'
Continued strong partnership with US Administration and Congress in support of the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement
Some of the key initiatives we are launching include:
A new Ireland-US Strategic Policy Group which will be chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, which will oversee implementation and report directly to me
A new Irish American Leadership Council
Extended diplomatic representation in the US, with, in the first instance, a new Consulate in Atlanta, GA and later in Houston, TX
Expansion of the Honorary Consul network
Development and expansion of business networks to support Irish jobs and take advantage of new economic opportunities
A reinforcement of the Embassy's capacity to promote economic relations
Development of bilateral dialogue foreign policy dialogue with the US on issues ranging from development assistance, human rights, disarmament and non-proliferation to conflict resolution
Develop targeted engagement with individual US states
Development of Ireland-US bilateral visa arrangements with a new reciprocal and renewable 2-year working visa arrangement, a reenergised J1 visa programme and a long term solution for the undocumented
encouragement of new online links for Irish communities and the wider diaspora in the US
A new certificate of Irish ancestry for Americans seeking formal acknowledgement of their Irish roots
A fast-track naturalisation regime for those with Irish great-grandparents who have studied in Ireland
Improved on-line access to genealogical records
Annual arrangements to commemorate the Famine in the US
A new leadership development programme to connect emerging leaders in US with counterparts in Ireland
Improved coordination of activities by Irish universities and Higher Education institutes
Expanded internship programme for US students with reciprocal placements for Irish students
Enhanced secondary school linkages and the development of curriculum materials in both the US and Ireland
Support for growing Irish studies programmes and development of an annual Summer School focussing on aspects of the Irish story in America
Officer exchange programme between the US State Department and Department of Foreign Affairs
A dedicated education officer in the Embassy in Washington
A series of high-profile Irish cultural events in 2011
Investment in existing Irish-American cultural infrastructure, especially in New York
Ends