Enda Kenny
Question:17 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Taoiseach the proposals, if any, he has to meet with the President of the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Meeting with US President.
In my letters of congratulations to President Clinton on his election and inauguration as President of the United States I expressed my wish to meet him at an early date. I am anxious to discuss with the President the way in which the close ties of friendship and co-operation between Ireland and the United States might be further developed and strengthened and to review the situation in Northern Ireland. Arrangements are being made for such a meeting in Washington on St. Patrick's Day, subject to the President's availability.
The President is short of an Attorney General at present. That could be discussed perhaps.
Will the Taoiseach outline the main priority areas he hopes to discuss with President Clinton on the occasion of his visit?
As I have already stated, I will be updating him on the position in relation to the serious situation in Northern Ireland, the development of investment and trade between Ireland and the United States and any other relevant matters that are of interest to our two countries.
Does the Taoiseach consider that the inability of the US President to appoint an Attorney General, as the proposed nominees had employed illegal aliens, will have an affect on the employment of illegal Irish immigrants in the United States?
We should not reflect on matters appertaining to another country with which we have very close diplomatic relations.
This matter affects hundreds of thousands of young Irish people living and working in the United States. This is an area that should be addressed by the Taoiseach.
Deputy Kenny can rest assured that the marvellous progress made by this Government including that in relation to Morrison and Donnelly visas will be continued. He should have no worries about that.
Will the Taoiseach urge the President to allow more people out of the country? That is the proposal to solve the unemployment crisis.