Committee reviews bill to create Oregon–Ireland sister‑state commission

The Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs held a public hearing in February 2025 on Senate Bill 961, which would establish an Oregon–Ireland sister‑state committee with specified membership, duties, meeting frequency and limited member compensation.

Backers described the measure as a vehicle for trade, academic exchanges and political ties between Oregon and Ireland. Bertie Ahern, former prime minister of Ireland, testified about economic and educational links and said the sister‑state committee would “create the bridge for the day you need it.” He outlined plans for parliamentary and business delegations to visit Oregon and for Oregon appointees to visit Ireland, including Northern Ireland, and suggested August as a favorable travel time.

The bill’s dash‑2 amendment, as presented by committee staff, would set membership as one nonvoting state senator, one nonvoting state representative and seven governor‑appointed members representing an institution of higher education, a statewide trade organization, urban interests and rural or agricultural interests. Committee members would elect a chairperson, hold one or two meetings per calendar year, quorum would be a majority and official actions would require a majority of voting members.

Brian Doherty, representing the Irish consulate in San Francisco and Irish Network Portland, told the committee that Oregon–Ireland trade links are significant, citing Intel’s operations as a driver: “A majority of this is Intel. A majority of this is Intel has 3 plants in Ireland. We have 4 plants in Hillsboro.” He and other witnesses said the committee could help coordinate student and university exchanges, match Oregon businesses with Irish partners, and facilitate trade outreach.

Committee members asked logistical and policy questions. A committee senator asked whether visits would include Northern Ireland; Ahern said delegation visits to Northern Ireland would include meetings with parliamentary committees, business leaders and agencies working on paramilitary violence and community reintegration. The chair noted there are amendments to be filed and said the committee will schedule a work session and give witnesses notice.

No formal action or vote was taken during the hearing; staff said amendments will be posted and the bill will be scheduled for further committee work.

Less critical details discussed included examples of potential exchange programming (university business and veterinary departments were mentioned) and an offer from Ahern’s office to accept applications for citizenship pathways raised in a member question about Irish citizenship pathways. Witnesses also referenced cultural and commercial links (examples cited included Kerry Group and references to Irish investment and events such as a U.S.–Ireland sporting fixture in Dublin).

The committee closed public testimony on SB 961 and opened a separate hearing on Senate Bill 641 later in the same meeting.