Statement by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, on the appointment by the United States of Joe Kennedy III as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland

"I welcome today’s appointment of Joe Kennedy III as US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland.

"I want to thank President Biden and his Administration for this appointment. It is a clear demonstration of the President’s direct engagement with Ireland as well as the enduring US commitment to supporting peace in, and building the prosperity of, Northern Ireland.

"Special Envoy Kennedy’s appointment comes as we prepare to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, an opportunity to look forward in the spirit of 10 April 1998 – with hopefully progress between the UK and EU feeding into new optimism.

"I look forward to working with Special Envoy Kennedy as he helps ensure everyone in Northern Ireland realise their full potential, best achieved through sustained investment in stability, in prosperity, and in the futures of the next generation of young people in Northern Ireland."