THE SCHEDULE for the Taoiseach’s virtual visit to the US to mark St Patrick’s Day has been revealed.
Micheál Martin is set to take part in a programme of virtual events running from March 15th to 17th. They will take the place of the Irish premier’s traditional visit to the White House.
As part of the virtual visit, Martin will meet with Joe Biden on St Patrick’s Day itself, speaking virtually from the Government Buildings where the traditional Shamrock Bowl will be presented.
The Taoiseach will speak to the US President about a range of concerns including Ireland’s fight against Covid-19, climate change and the ongoing challenges facing the Good Friday Agreement.
Martin will also meet virtually with US Vice President Kamala Harris.
Together they are due to speak with the inaugural class of Frederick Douglass Global Fellows, a group of 20 American students from minority backgrounds selected to visit Ireland later this year.
The Taoiseach will also meet US Speaker Nancy Pelosi as well as the members of the US Congress Friends of Ireland Caucus, which is due to mark the 40th anniversary of its formation on St Patrick’s Day.
In addition to his, Martin is set to take part in a panel discussion on Monday evening to mark the US launch of From Whence I Came: The Kennedy Legacy, Ireland & America edited by Brian Murphy & Donnacha Ó Beacháin.
He will be joined on the panel by former US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, US Congressman Richie Neal, and former Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy III.
Taoiseach Micheál MartinOn Tuesday, the Taoiseach is set to attend a series of roundtable discussions hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, with conversations set to explore how trade and investment partnership can help drive economic recovery in both Ireland and the US.
He is also speaking at a public event paying tribute to John Hume and the role he played in garnering US support for the Northern Irish peace process.
The Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus are due to host the event, in association with the Pat & John Hume Foundation and the Embassy of Ireland.
Despite being unable to visit Washington DC, Martin is eager to celebrate of the “remarkable relationship” between the US and Ireland around St Patrick’s Day.
“I look forward greatly to meeting President Biden, who has a very special connection with Ireland, and to bring him greetings from Ireland on this his first St Patrick’s Day in office as President,” the Taoiseach said.
See More: Joe Biden, Micheál Martin, St Patrick's Day
