DUBLIN, Ireland - A United States Congressional delegation will visit Ireland and Northern Ireland next week for discussions on a range of issues.

On the agenda will be Ireland-Northern Ireland relations, particularly in relation to Brexit, the future of Europe and the transatlantic relationship.

Richard Neal, Chair of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means and Co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland, will lead the bi-partisan delegation, which will visit Dublin, Kerry, and Belfast. The delegation will arrive on the weekend.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney will host a working lunch for the delegation and several Irish government and political representatives.

"The return of in-person visits between Ireland and the United States is crucial as we embark on re-engaging and rebuilding economically post-Covid. I welcome this hugely positive opportunity to engage with and brief this Congressional delegation on key international issues that are affecting Irish citizens," Coveney said Monday.

"I look forward to an exchange over lunch on Northern Ireland, ahead of the delegation's visit there next week, and on all aspects of Ireland-U.S. relations: including immigration and people-to-people links; on our mutually beneficial trade and economic relationship; as well as key international issues, including how Ireland can play a constructive role in strengthening the EU-U.S. relationship now and into the future," the foreign affairs minister said.

During their time in Ireland the Congressional delegation will also meet with President Michael D. Higgins and Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

Congressman Neal will also address the Seanad on Tuesday night.