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2014 News & Events

December 2014

New Agreement Means Brighter Days Ahead for Northern Ireland - Minister Flanagan

23 December 2014

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charles Flanagan T.D. has welcomed the agreement reached this week between the five Northern Ireland Executive parties and Irish and British Governments. A copy of the Minister’s full statement is available via the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Christmas Messages from President Michael D. Higgins & Taoiseach Enda Kenny

22 December 2014

A Christmas and New Year message from President Michael D. Higgins is available from the website of Áras an Uachtaráin in Irish and English language versions. A Christmas message from An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. can be viewed via the Government Information Service’s MerrionStreet.ie site, also in Irish and English language versions.

A New International Financial Services Strategy for Ireland

Minister of State for International Financial Services Mr. Simon Harris T.D. is inviting views on the development of a new International Financial Services strategy for Ireland. The international financial services sector contributes very significantly to the Irish economy in terms of growth and jobs and Minister Harris intends to bring a draft strategy to Government with a view to its publication in early 2015. Further details can be found via the website of the Department of Finance.

A consultation document on the issues involved is also available via the Department of Finance and the online public consultation can be accessed directly at www.surveymonkey.com/s/ifs_strategy. The closing date for submissions is Monday 15th December 2014.


November 2014

Ministers Welcome Steps on U.S. Immigration Reform

21 November 2014

The Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D., and the Minister for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan T.D., have welcomed the announcement by President Obama of changes to the U.S. immigration system. Full details of the Ministers’ statement are available through the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

Launch of Ireland 2016

12 November 2014

On Wednesday November 12 at the G.P.O. in Dublin, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys T.D., An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D., An Tánaiste Joan Burton T.D. and Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Aodhán Ó Ríordáin T.D., launched Ireland 2016, a national initiative which includes a programme of events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising.

Additional details are available from the website of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and from www.ireland.ie.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation on Investment & Trade Mission to USA

12 November 2014

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Mr. Richard Bruton is leading an investment and trade mission to Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Chicago. Further information is available from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation.

Minister for the Diaspora Announces Over €1.8 Million Funding for Irish Emigrant Support Group in the U.S.

6 November 2014

The Minister for the Diaspora, Mr. Jimmy Deenihan T.D., has announced during his visit to New York that the Government is to provide more then €1.8 million (c. $2.34 million) to organisations that support vulnerable Irish emigrants in the United States, as well as cultural and heritage grants. A list of recipients is available via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Visit by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to Atlanta and New Orleans: 4-8 November

3 November 2014

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ms. Heather Humphreys T.D., visited Atlanta and New Orleans for the 2014 International Famine Commemoration. Full details on the Minister's visit programme are available from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.


October 2014

Presidential Distingushed Service Award

30 October 2014

The 2014 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad were presented by President Michael D. Higgins on October 30 at a ceremony in Áras and Uachtaráin which was attended by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tánaiste Joan Burton, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan, and Minister for the Diaspora Jimmy Deenihan. U.S.-based recipients of Awards were Ms Fionnuala Flanagan (Arts, Culture and Sport category), Mr Niall O'Dowd and Dr. Kevin Cahill (Peace, Reconciliation and Development Category). Further details are available via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Minister Flanagan and U.S. Senator Gary Hart discuss Northern Ireland All Party Talks

30 October 2014

On October 30, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charlie Flanagan T.D., met with former U.S. Senator Gary Hart, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's Personal Representative in Northern Ireland. Minister Flanagan's remarks after the meeting can be viewed via the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

U.S. East Coast Visit by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: October 26-31

25 October 2014

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mr Richard Bruton T.D. led a 5 day investment and trade mission to Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York at the end of October 2014. Additional information on the minister's itinerary is available from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Minister Flanagan Welcomes Appointment of former U.S. Senator Gary Hart

22 October 2014

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D., has welcomed the appointment of former U.S. Senator Gary Hart as Personal Representative of the U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, including on issues relating to Northern Ireland. The Minister’s full statement is available on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Budget 2015 & Irish Corporation Tax Policy

16 October 2014

Full details on Ireland’s recently announced budget for 2015 are available from a special Department of Finance website. Information on changes to Irish Corporation Tax Policy are contained in a further Department of Finance publication entitled “Competing in a Changing World – A Road Map for Ireland’s Tax Competitiveness”.

90 Years of Ireland-U.S. Diplomatic Relations – A Celebration

7 October 2014

Tuesday October 7 marked the 90th anniversary of Ireland-U.S. diplomatic relations. Prof. Timothy A. Smiddy presented his credentials as Ambassador (Minister Plenipotentiary) of the Irish Free State to President Coolidge on that date in 1924. We celebrated with a free Irish Music & Dance concert at Washington D.C.’s Dupont Circle Park on October 5th - check our Facebook page to see pictures from the day!

Visit by Minister Charles Flanagan to Boston

1 October 2014

Minister Charles Flanagan completed his first official trip to the United States with a series of consultations with business and political leaders in the State of Massachusetts on October 1st. Additional information is available via the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.


September 2014

90th Anniversary of Establishment of Ireland-U.S. Diplomatic Relations - Remarks by Minister Charles Flanagan T.D.

30 September 2014

Minister Flanagan spoke at a special reception held in Ambassador Anderson’s official residence to mark the 90th anniversary of the establishment of Ireland-U.S. diplomatic relations.

Minister Flanagan Announces Recipients of 2014 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charles Flanagan T.D., has announced the recipients of the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for 2014. The Awards were established by the Government following the 2011 Global Irish Economic Forum as a means of recognising the contribution of the Irish Abroad to Ireland and to our international reputation. U.S.-based recipients of 2014 Awards are actress Ms. Fionnula Flanagan, Irish-American activist and publisher Niall O’Dowd and President-General Emeritus of the American-Irish Historical Society, Dr. Kevin Cahill. The Awards will be presented by President Michael D. Higgins in October. Further details on the all 2014 Awards recipients are available from the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

Minister for Justice & Equality, Ms. Frances Fitzgerald T.D., Attends Ministerial Conference of the Global Alliance against Child Sexual Abuse Online - Washington D.C

29 September 2014

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Ms. Frances Fitzgerald T.D. is attending the second Ministerial Conference of the Global Alliance against Child Sexual Abuse Online in Washington D.C. on 29-30 September. The Conference is being jointly hosted by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and E.U. Home Affairs Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström. Further information is available from the Department of Justice and Equality.

Minister Flanagan Highlights Ireland’s Economic Recovery and Promotes Irish Companies in the U.S.

26 September 2014

The Minister for Foreign affairs & Trade Mr. Charles Flanagan T.D. has been addressing a series of high-level business events in New York, Boston and Washington as part of his drive to support exporting Irish companies and attract investment to Ireland. For further details, visit the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

U.S. Visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade Mr. Charles Flanagan T.D.

24 September - 1 October 2014

The Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Mr. Charles Flanagan T.D., is visiting the U.S. this week for the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Minister Flanagan will also meet key political and business leaders and representatives of the Irish community during a busy week-long schedule in New York, Washington and Boston. Full details on the Minister’s programme are available via the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

Address by the Taoiseach to U.N. Secretary General’s Climate Change Summit – New York

23 September 2014

The text of the address by An Taoiseach Mr. Enda Kenny T.D. to the U.N. Secretary General’s Climate Change Summit held in New York on 23 September 2014 is available on the website of the Government Information Service (Merrionstreet.ie)


August 2014

Death of former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds

25 August 2014

It was with sadness that we learned of the passing of Albert Reynolds, former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland on Thursday 21 August. A State Funeral will take place in Dublin on Monday 25 August. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

Job vacancy: Embassy of Ireland seeks to recruit Consular Assistant. Deadline 15 August

08 August 2014

The Embassy of Ireland in Washington D.C. is seeking to recruit a full time consular assistant. Working as part of a busy team, the successful applicant will help to provide consular services and assistance to Irish citizens in the USA and the Caribbean, and to visa required citizens in these areas who wish to visit Ireland.   

SFI St. Patrick’s Day Science Medal for Irish Science & Tech Leaders in the U.S.A – Nominations Deadline Extended Until August 15th, 2014

05 August 2014

The deadline to nominate recipients of the 2015 Science Foundation St. Patrick’s Day Science Medal has been extended until August 15th, 2014. The Medal is awarded annually to a distinguished Irish scientist, engineer or technology leader living and working in the USA. Further information and nomination forms are available via the website of Science Foundation Ireland.

Remarks by Ambassador Anderson at AOH/LAOH Biannual Convention in St. Louis, Missouri

01 August 2014


July 2014

Minister of State Jimmy Deenihan Attends AOH/LAOH Convention in St. Louis, Missouri

31 July 2014

On July 31st, Minister of State at Departments of the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs & Trade with special responsibility for the Diaspora, Mr. Jimmy Deenihan T.D. addressed the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. A press release on Minister Deenihan’s address is available via the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

Comoradh - Issue 2

1 July 2014

The second edition of Comóradh is now available. This Newsletter reflects upon some of the commemorative initiatives and events which have taken place since the beginning of 2014, marking historical events of a century ago.


June 2014

U.S. Visit by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney

17-19 June 2014

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr. Simon Coveney TD, led a four day trade and investment mission to the U.S. over the period June 23-26. Details on the Washington leg of the Minister’s visit are available via the website of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Visit to Washington D.C. by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore

17-19 June 2014

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade Mr. Eamon Gilmore T.D., visited Washington D.C. for a series of meetings with key Congressional and Administration and Irish-American community contacts in relation to U.S. immigration reform.

Tánaiste (Irish Deputy PM) Welcomes Nomination of New U.S. Ambassador to Ireland

5 June 2014

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, TD, has welcomed today’s announcement from the White House of the proposal to assign Mr Kevin F. O’Malley, of Missouri, as the next Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ireland.

Visit by Taoiseach to San Francisco and Silicon Valley

4-7 June 2014

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is travelling to the United States today for a three-day programme to San Francisco and Silicon Valley focused on securing investment and jobs for Ireland and supporting exporting Irish firms and entrepreneurs.


May 2014

Ireland, Europe and the US: A Road to Recovery and Renewed Partnership

29 May 2014

Address by Ambassador Anne Anderson to Atlanta Council on International Relations

Visit by President Michael D. Higgins to Chicago and Indiana, 8-14 May

2 May 2014

President Michael D. Higgins made his second official visit to the United States since entering Office over the period 8-14 May. He was accompanied by his wife, Sabina Higgins. Further Details about the visit are also available from the official Áras an Uachtaráin website.


April 2014

Paper by Mr. Peter Kissel on “Seamus Heaney: A Conference and Commemoration” - Queen’s University’s Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry, Belfast - April 2014

29 April 2014

On April 10-13, 2014, Queen’s University’s Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry in Belfast hosted “Seamus Heaney: A Conference and Commemoration” in honor of the poet’s 75th birthday.  

Remarks by Ambassador Anderson at the Seamus Heaney Tribute

8 April 2014

‌ at “The Literary Legacy of Seamus Heaney” -  Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington D.C., April 7


March 2014

St. Patrick’s Day 2014 Visit to the U.S. by the Taoiseach

18 March 2014

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. visited the U.S. for St. Patrick's Day 2014 engagements. The Taoiseach's programme began in Washington DC and included meetings with President Obama, Vice-President Biden, Speaker Boehner and other key Capitol Hill leaders. The Taoiseach subsequently travelled on to Boston and New York. Further details on the Taoiseach's U.S. visit