Pa. Senate passes bill to establish Irish Trade Commission in commonwealth

The Pennsylvania Senate has passed legislation to establish an Ireland Trade Commission in the commonwealth.

The announcement was made by Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheny, co-chair of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus and sponsor of Senate Bill 1121.

“This bill will strengthen the thriving relationship between Pennsylvania and Ireland,” Robinson said in a statement. “Members appointed by the governor, bipartisan legislative leadership, and business leaders with a vested interest in Ireland will drive this initiative.

“The commission will annually present its findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature without the use of public funds,” added Robinson. “It’s a lucky day for our commonwealth.”

The bill would create the Ireland Trade Commission to focus on strengthening educational, economic, governmental, and personal links between Pennsylvania and Ireland. As approximately 16% of Pennsylvanians of Irish descent, the commission looks to honor the shared heritage and positive relationship with the Emerald Isle.

According to the bill’s language, the act amends Title 12 (Commerce and Trade) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, establishes the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission and the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission Account; and imposes duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.

“We have a great opportunity with Ireland being the key launchpad for US expansion in the European market,” Robinson and his bipartisan co-sponsors Sen. Tim Kearney, D-Delaware County, and Sen. Marty Flynn, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne, wrote in a memorandum. “This will provide opportunity for significant mutual trade investment, along with the other policy, business, academic, and economic possibilities under this Commission.”

The legislation heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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