5.5 Washington DC

5.5 Washington DC

Figure from page 45

The senior posting to the Irish Embassy in Washington DC reflects the increasing importance of Ireland’s strategic trade, investment and innovation interests and US developments in these policy domains. The Departments Counsellor in Washington DC ensures effective engagement with diverse US enterprise interests and to cultivate relations with the new US Administration and key government departments, federal agencies and relevant stakeholders; reporting on activities, initiatives, major publications and promoting engagement between the Department and these entities.

The transatlantic landscape presents particular challenges and opportunities at this time. Existing trade disputes remain a hindrance to transatlantic trade and investment, and potentially significant challenges are building in the digital and taxation agendas. The US will maintain a strong domestic focus as they seek to recover economically, with American jobs at the forefront of international policy. Within this context, President Biden has prioritised repairing relationships with allies and, in particular, the European Union. Forming and deepening relationships with the US is a significant priority during this time.

An Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar in Berlin for Germany’s EU Presidency hosted informal meeting of EU Trade Ministers, with the Department’s Embassy Berlin team, September 2020

The Counsellor provides support and assistance to the Local Market Team, in particular to Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in pursuing their respective remits in Germany, and to Science Foundation Ireland and its parent Department, as key stakeholders. The Counsellor also engages in wider areas of interest to the Department with a broad range of other governmental entities and nongovernmental representative stakeholders in Germany.