by Tim O’Brien
STATEHOUSE (June 30, 2025) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law a bill authored by State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) to strengthen economic ties with Ireland and support trade.
O’Brien said House Enrolled Act 1489 creates an Indiana-Ireland trade commission to increase bilateral trade and investment between the state and Ireland.
“This new law strengthens the already robust cultural and economic ties Indiana has with Ireland,” O’Brien said. “This commission will encourage new business opportunities and investment, and expand our state’s position on the global stage. I was proud to author this legislation and am grateful to my colleagues and Gov. Braun for their support.”
In 2023, Indiana imported more than $20 billion worth of goods from Ireland, making the country Indiana’s largest importing partner. In Indiana there are 52 Irish-based companies located in 24 counties.
O’Brien said the commission will be selected by the governor and Statehouse leadership. It will include 13 members from the General Assembly, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, a higher education institution and communities representing Irish Americans.
House Enrolled Act 1489 passed the legislature with bipartisan support and was backed by former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and Mark Daly, a member of the Ireland Senate.
