U.S. Embassy Dublin Investment Screening Exchange Program

In October 2023, the Irish parliament passed new investment screening legislation and expects to implement the legislation in 2024.

U.S. Embassy Dublin announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to implement an exchange program for Irish policymakers, legal professionals, and academics. The program should facilitate an exchange of best practices between the United States and Ireland, focused on sharing U.S. expertise and lessons learned - including federal and state government, legal, and academic perspectives - on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States. This exchange program should facilitate travel for up to five Irish participants and up to five American participants between the United States and Ireland, as well as cover the costs of associated events. Funding should also be made available for Irish participants to join relevant trainings on investment screening in third countries. Award subject to the availability of funds.

A successful program may include meetings with:
1. officials at Treasury, State, Commerce, Energy, and other agencies involved in the CFIUS process to learn how the U.S. reviews investment, including what criteria are taken into account and how decisions are made
2. congressional staff to learn more about how CFIUS legislation was passed and understand current issues around investment screening
3. private sector contacts whose companies have undergone the CFIUS process
4. law firms and consultancies that represent clients in CFIUS reviews

Objectives for the project:
1. Facilitate sharing of U.S. knowledge and expertise on investment screening
2. Examine multiple models for screening investments with counterparts from various sectors
3. Review the U.S. experience with establishing a high threshold, national security-based screening system to attract, rather than deter investment

Applicants with questions may email dublingrants@state.gov.