Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny

President Obama will welcome Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Enda Kenny of Ireland to the White House on Tuesday, March 20. The United States and Ireland share strong bilateral relations, deep cultural ties, and a commitment to positive change in the world. The President looks forward to commemorating his fourth St. Patrick's Day in the White House with the Taoiseach and Mrs. Kenny, and to reciprocating the warm hospitality the Irish people extended to the President and Mrs. Obama during their visit to the Emerald Isle in May 2011. On Tuesday, the President and the Vice President will meet with the Taoiseach and will attend a St. Patrick's Day lunch at the U.S. Capitol. In the morning, the Vice President will host the Prime Minister at a St. Patrick's Day breakfast at the Naval Observatory. In the evening, the President and the First Lady will host a St. Patrick's Day reception at the White House.

Also on the 20th, the President and the Vice President will greet First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Northern Ireland at the White House and discuss their progress toward meeting their shared commitments to a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Northern Ireland.