TITLE: Honoring the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin TD, on the occasion of his visit to Texas.

SUMMARY: Honoring the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin TD, on the occasion of his visit to Texas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Taoiseach of Ireland Miche l Martin TD is visiting in March 2025 during the traditional annual trip by the country's head of government to the United States; and WHEREAS, In January 2025, Taoiseach Miche l Martin was elected to lead his country as Taoiseach in a coalition government; this marks the second time he has held the office, having previously served from 2020 to 2022; and WHEREAS, Ireland and the United States have long maintained strong economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties; many Americans, including countless Texans, trace their heritage to the Emerald Isle; St. Patrick's Day, Ireland's national holiday, is celebrated across America by people of all backgrounds, and the Irish contributions to the arts, education, and a range of other fields remain enormously influential; and WHEREAS, The Government of Ireland opened a Consulate in Texas in 2015 and the visit by the Taoiseach marks the tenth anniversary of this significant decision to strengthen the relationship between Texas and Ireland; and WHEREAS, Recognizing common values of freedom, democracy, and prosperity, Texas maintains an especially close partnership with Ireland; during his visit, Taoiseach Martin is working to increase the dynamism of our economic connections and to further the friendship and cooperation that have defined relations between the two lands; and WHEREAS, A highly experienced public servant, Taoiseach Martin was first elected to Ireland's national parliament D il   ireann more than 35 years ago, and he has served in a number of prominent roles, including as Minister of Education and Science, Minister of Health and Children, Minister of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Defence; before embarking on his career in public life he taught history, and he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a master's degree in political history, and a higher diploma in education; and WHEREAS, Taoiseach Miche l Martin has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing mutual goals and reinforcing the beneficial bonds that link his country and ours, and the residents of Texas are honored to host him during his 2025 trip to the United States; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby honor Taoiseach Miche l Martin on the occasion of his visit to Texas and celebrate our state's vibrant partnership with Ireland; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Taoiseach Martin as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Kerwin Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 474 was adopted by the House on March 31, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House