290. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times to date in 2019 he has met with his US counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53331/19]

I wish to inform the Deputy that I met with Attorney General William Barr on one occasion in 2019. I have also met with the US Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Edward Crawford, to discuss shared priorities and concerns and frequently met with Reece Smyth when he was Chargé d’Affairs,

pending the formal appointment of an Ambassador.

Ireland and the United States have a strong record of cooperation in relation to justice and security matters and these meetings have provided a valuable opportunity to discuss relevant areas of mutual interest, including immigration and national security issues.