Representative Bonner pitches Georgia–Ireland Trade Commission; Irish delegation testifies

Representative Josh Bonner presented House Bill 980 to the Senate committee, proposing creation of a 15‑member Georgia Ireland Trade Commission to "advance bilateral trade, promote business and academic exchanges, encourage mutual economic support and mutual investment," and to report annually to the governor and General Assembly.

Bonner described historical and cultural ties between Georgia and Ireland, noting Irish heritage in parts of the state and the role of institutions such as Georgia Southern’s Wexford campus. He summarized the commission's proposed makeup: four members selected by the lieutenant governor, four by the speaker of the House, and seven by the governor (including the commissioner of economic development or a designee, the commissioner of agriculture or a designee, two representatives from state higher‑education institutions, two representatives of Irish‑American communities, and one representative of a Georgia business or trade organization). He said members would serve four‑year terms without compensation and that "all funds associated with the business of the commission will come from privately raised funds," so the bill "does not cost the state of Georgia or the taxpayers any money." (Representative Bonner)

Committee members asked practical and procedural questions. Senator Raman asked whether any other bilateral trade commissions exist for Georgia; Bonner said this would be the state's first. Senator Anderson asked whether the bill establishes a trust fund that would accept privately raised funds; Bonner said the bill provides a state vehicle for a fund but does not anticipate an appropriation and that the commission would file annual reports to the governor and legislature.

Senator Mark Daly, identified in the testimony as chair of the Irish Senate committee involved in these exchanges, told the committee Ireland is a significant investor in the United States and that state‑level trade commissions can act as an "early warning" for EU policies that affect U.S. states. Daly highlighted workforce training and people‑to‑people exchanges as concrete benefits.

Former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern thanked Georgia for historical support during the Irish peace process and endorsed the commission as a practical gateway to the 450‑million‑person European Union market that could strengthen trade, education and cultural ties.

Committee members thanked the Irish delegation for traveling to testify and indicated they would follow up offline; no committee vote on HB 980 was recorded during this session.

The presentation and testimony provided policy rationale and procedural detail (membership, appointment process, reporting) but left open follow‑up questions about implementation timelines and oversight mechanisms that the committee said it would address in future meetings or staff work.