I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 24, 25 and 37 together.
Like the people of the United States, and indeed the people of Ireland, I was shocked and saddened by what happened on 25 May in Minneapolis. The death of George Floyd was appalling and the circumstances surrounding his death were deeply upsetting and unsettling.
I am also deeply concerned at the underlying issues of racial inequality that have given rise to protests in many cities across the United States and elsewhere. I join with all those who have raised their voices in recent weeks against racism in all its forms. Wherever such injustice occurs, voices must be heard. The right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and a robust, independent media are fundamental values in any democratic society.
I have also been disappointed by the violent scenes witnessed at some of the protests in the US. Violence is not the way to bring about fundamental change and is not the answer to the problems of communities suffering racial and other forms of inequality. Rather, it is through solidarity, inclusive economic development, and community and political-level leadership that genuine and lasting change can be brought about.
Clearly, every State has the right, indeed the duty, to enforce its laws and police its communities. This duty must, however, be discharged in a proportionate and accountable manner, avoiding excessive use of force, in line with international obligations, and with respect for the human rights of all involved.
I continue to call for a de-escalation of tensions in the US, and a deepening of engagement at the community and political level to address the underlying issues of racial inequality which have led to such widespread protest.
The disturbing events over the past weeks in the US have also sharply brought into focus the need to look hard at our own societies, in Ireland and elsewhere. I welcome the debate it has opened up in Irish society. We must listen to those speaking out about their own experience of racism and exclusion, identify the challenges in our society, and tackle these scourges head-on, collectively and pro-actively.
Ireland and the United States share strong ties of kinship and enjoy deep and friendly relations, as well as enduring economic, cultural and social connections. As part of our regular dialogue, I have raised these issues with the US Ambassador, Edward Crawford, both on a telephone call we had last week and at a meeting this week. I clearly set out our concerns about the circumstances surrounding the death of George Floyd and the underlying issues of racial inequality, as well as some of the policing responses to peaceful protest. We had a good exchange of views on these issues and undertook to stay in ongoing contact in the period ahead.