Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:1 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the outcome of the talks involving the British and Irish Governments and parties in Northern Ireland. [7858/10]
Ceisteanna — Questions.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:2 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the outcome of the recent all party negotiations in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8792/10]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:3 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Taoiseach the plans he has for further discussions with the British Prime Minister. [8871/10]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:4 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the leader of the SDLP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8928/10]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:5 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the discussions he has had with the First and deputy First Ministers in view of the agreement reached at Hillsborough Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11123/10]
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:6 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach his views on the decision of the Northern Ireland Assembly on 9 March 2010 to approve the devolution of policing and justice powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12488/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together.
Monday, 12 April was an important day for the people of Northern Ireland. With the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly and the election of David Ford as Minister for Justice, for the first time in 40 years policing and justice powers are being exercised with cross-community support on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland by their own elected representatives. Authority and responsibility for policing and justice issues are now where they ought to be, namely, at local level, accountable to and operating for the benefit of all the people of Northern Ireland.
I congratulate the political parties in taking this decision, which is a further vote of confidence in the political institutions and the peace process. I have also offered my congratulations to David Ford and the Alliance Party on their achievement. My Government looks forward to working with the Minister on the challenges that lie ahead. My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, met Mr. Ford last Friday.
The agreement announced in Hillsborough on 5 February provided the basis for moving forward on devolution and for the future stability and success of the democratic institutions that we have all worked so hard to create and maintain. The cross-community vote in the Northern Assembly on 9 March in support of the devolution of policing and justice was also an historic occasion. I strongly condemn the attempts of small dissident groups to disrupt the democratic process. Both Administrations, North and South, the Garda and the PSNI will continue to work closely to bring these criminals to justice.
I met Margaret Ritchie on 10 February last in Government Buildings where I congratulated her on her recent election as leader of the SDLP. We discussed the agreement reached at Hillsborough and the next steps involved in its implementation.
In the course of my visit to the United States for the traditional St. Patrick's Day celebrations, which I will be reporting on later, I thanked President Obama for his continuing support for the peace process and the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, for her unstinting support. I also met First Minister Peter Robinson, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Northern Ireland political leaders during my visit. I expect to meet the British Prime Minister at the next European Council meeting, which is scheduled to take place in June.
Which questions are being taken together?
Questions Nos. 1 to 6.
Those questions deal with the situation in Northern Ireland. I wanted to clarify the position.
I join the Taoiseach in welcoming the devolution of justice and policing powers to the Northern Ireland Administration. I also welcome the appointment of Mr. David Ford, MLA, as Northern Ireland Minister for Justice. I wish Mr. Ford well in his new portfolio.
The explosions that took place at Hollywood and Newry are extremely worrying. In recent times explosives have been found and certain incidents were prevented from happening. I appreciate that the Taoiseach is constrained to some degree in the context of the information he can impart to the House in respect of the security situation. However, will he indicate how serious are the activities of dissident republican groups? How confident is he that the security and police forces in this jurisdiction and Northern Ireland will be able to deal with the situation and ensure that what is happening at present does not continue? How confident is he that they can ensure that the attempt that is clearly being made to undermine the institutions in Northern Ireland will not succeed and that people will not be seriously injured or worse as a result of the type of activities to which I refer?
I strongly condemn the bomb attack on 12 April last and other dissident attacks. These are futile acts which stand in stark contrast to the positive and historic progress that has taken place in the context of the democratic institutions, with the support of all communities, taking on key powers in respect of policing justice. Unfortunately, we have seen the capacity of dissident republican groups to launch attacks. The reality is that it does not take substantial numbers of people to carry out these activities. Their determination to carry out attacks is as high as it was at any stage during the Troubles.
It is important to recognise, however, that the groups to which I refer do not have an infrastructure of support in the community and that they are on a road to nowhere. As well as facing determined action on the part of the security forces, it is clear the activities of these groups have been overwhelmingly rejected by the people, North and South. The Government, the Garda and other interested agencies look forward to deepening co-operation with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive in respect of policing and justice and all other areas.
I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. He is correct that these dissident republican groupings do not enjoy any significant level of support. As he stated, only a small number of people are involved. However, we have been here before. At earlier stages of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, it was from just such a point that difficulties began to emerge. There have been indications that certain groups, particularly the Real IRA, have been recruiting aggressively and, according to reports, quite successfully in the North and the South. What is the level of the Taoiseach's knowledge in respect of this matter? What steps are being taken to tackle the problem?
Those matter might be better raised with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, particularly in the context of the level of detail sought by the Deputy. My only comment in respect of the security briefings I receive is that a determined effort is being made to monitor closely any dissident activity that is taking place and to ensure that there is full co-operation among the various agencies, both in this jurisdiction and Northern Ireland. There have been many examples of success in thwarting past activities which could have led to the destruction of property or posed a threat to life and limb.
As the Deputy stated, the fact that only a small number of individuals are involved in these activities does not take away from their malign intentions. Nor does it take away from the need for our security forces be ever vigilant, as is the case in any event. Those in the security forces are highly knowledgeable and have various ways and means of dealing with matters of this nature. Significant legislation designed to assist the security forces in being effective in combating the type of activities to which I refer has been passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas in the past. We must ensure, to the greatest extent possible — no one can provide a blanket guarantee in respect of security at any point — that this matter is given the highest priority.
I congratulate the new Northern Ireland Minister for Justice, Mr. David Ford, MLA. I agree with the sentiments expressed by the Taoiseach and Deputy Gilmore in that regard. Mr. Ford is a practical and pragmatic politician and I wish him well in his endeavours.
There must be real concern with regard to the small number of dissidents who have the capability to cause serious damage as a result of their terrorist activities. I hope the level of support between the Garda and the PSNI is as high as it has always been. I also hope that, in the context of the security of the State, the Taoiseach is briefed on a regular basis and provided with accurate information. These people — with the obscene methods they employ in order to make so-called statements — cannot be given an opportunity to drive the country backwards.
In an interview in The Irish Times today the Taoiseach points out that the British-Irish Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement enabled us to rebuild relationships and that in the context of North-South co-operation process is about rebuilding the relationship between the two parts of the Ireland on the basis of mutual benefit. I support that sentiment. The Taoiseach also made the point that at present it is more important to focus on rebuilding relationships than on bringing about a united Ireland.
I met Mr. Owen Paterson, MP, of the British Conservative Party when he visited Ireland in order to engage in a round of meetings with political personnel. Mr. Paterson expressed an interest in the position relating to VAT and corporation tax rates, North and South. No one knows what decision the British people will arrive at in the election that is due to be held in the coming weeks. In the context of mutual benefit, however, does the Taoiseach have a view on what might happen regarding a closer relationship between corporation and VAT tax rates, North and South, following the making of that decision?
A recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers shows that Northern Ireland is the only area in the UK where business confidence is down. It also highlights the fact that 33,000 jobs have been lost in the North. However, the figure is probably much higher because those who were previously self-employed and who are no longer in business are not included in the figure. Does the Taoiseach have a view on the holding of discussions on closer co-operation in respect of tax rates? I accept that there is a differential between sterling and the euro. However, in the context of both the mutual benefit to which he referred and tax rates, has he engaged in any discussions on this matter?
No, I have not engaged in any discussions on the matters to which the Deputy refers. This issue has been raised on a number of occasions and in various contexts and relates to improving the prospects of the all-Ireland economy. It is clear, however, that major issues arise as far as the British Treasury is concerned with regard to the question of differentiated tax rates within the UK jurisdiction. The Treasury has made the point that while the UK's nominal corporation tax rate is higher than that which obtains here, there are various ways and means by which it has sought to assist the direction of investment to Northern Ireland, where a different tax rate to that which obtains here applies. That issue will not be easily resolved. However, it continues to be spoken of positively by business interests in the North.
What is the status of the proposal for interconnection between the Republic and Northern Ireland? I accept that there are difficulties in counties Meath and Monaghan in respect of this matter. Has the Taoiseach discussed the matter with parties in the North in the context of the mutual benefit to be had? As Minister for Tourism and Trade, I remember trying to bring about a concept of an all-island entity in terms of support for tourism which would be non-political and where everybody could see the mutual benefit on the island of Ireland, North and South.
There are serious problems to be confronted in the Twenty-six Counties in the medical area. There is the Government proposal from the HSE for a new regional entity somewhere in the Navan area some time in the future. There are difficulties in Letterkenny, there is the withdrawal of cancer services from Sligo General Hospital and so on. At the time of the Good Friday and St. Andrews Agreements, both Governments had an ideal opportunity to develop co-operative ventures in Altnagelvin in Derry, Letterkenny, Enniskillen, Sligo and across the Border from Drogheda for the mutual benefit of the health of our people, North and South.
The Deputy is going into detail.
It is the detail that affects the relationships North and South about which the Taoiseach speaks, as the Ceann Comhairle knows. The question is about discussions with the parties in Northern Ireland and so on.
Does the Taoiseach envisage a situation where, despite the categorisation of different degrees in the medical area, there is an opportunity for both Governments to again prove peace works and that with co-operation on a small island such as this and in a small geographical area, one could have specialist centres of excellence, North and South, paying real attention to specific areas, whether cardiac, cancer, orthopaedics, etc? Does the Taoiseach envisage a situation where much closer co-operation, North and South, in the medical area could be brought about? Is it his intention to raise that matter when he next meets the parties and the new British Prime Minister, whoever that might be?
There is a fair degree of co-operation in regard to public health issues and there is an all-island approach in regard to health research. There is also a greater degree of collaboration between universities in that area and in other research areas. The Hillsborough agreement provides the means by which we can provide more stability in the institutions and a greater degree of openness to explore the potential for this sort of co-operation.
It is true I have indicated at North-South Ministerial Council plenaries my belief that the potential of the agreement can be explored to a greater extent than it is currently. The work agenda to which we are working in terms of the areas with which we are dealing still remains closely associated with that set out in 1998. There are many other areas which should be positively discussed. A review is taking place currently on the North-South issues.
With the confidence that has been built up and the fact that mutual benefit is the criterion on which we are focused, there is no reason, in particular given the difficult times we face and the need for collaboration, synergies cannot be established in a range of areas that would be good for taxpayers, North and South. I refer specifically to hospital services. Under the national cancer strategy, the north west is being catered for by way of co-operation with Altnagelvin and elsewhere. It is all about sensible, pragmatic co-operation which is, in many ways, the norm in Border counties at councillor and other levels. The CAIT initiative has meant that people with renal problems in Cooley could go to Newry for services rather than to Dublin. There is a range of practical, simple things that affect the quality of life of many people and where a co-operative, an innovative and a creative approach is adopted. More of that needs to take place.
That sort of sensible co-operation does more to show peace is the way forward than anything else. All the political rhetoric in the world will not replace that sense of sensible, practical co-operation in a range of areas which is not being exploited to the extent it could be. I hope the political will is developing within the Northern Ireland institutions to see that as a way forward for mutual benefit and not part of some surreptitious agenda.
At the outset, I once again unreservedly condemn and reject the activities of those groups which seek to lock their communities into perpetual conflict and whose actions are clearly designed to undermine and thwart the democratically agreed strategy of the vast majority of republican activists across this island in pursuit of our national and republican objectives.
I take this opportunity to commend all involved in the negotiations that concluded at Hillsborough Castle. I welcome the transfer of policing and justice powers from London to Belfast. It is a very important achievement and I am particularly proud of the role my party colleagues, the Sinn Féin negotiation team, played in bringing that about. The role of the DUP and others involved in this must also be acknowledged because what we have arrived at is an agreement made in Ireland. The powers, which will directly affect the daily life and condition of ordinary people, have been taken from London to Ireland where they are under democratically accountable oversight. That is a very positive step and must be seen and appreciated by all in that regard.
What increased efforts is the Taoiseach making, or planning to make, in regard to other elements of the Good Friday Agreement, as yet unrealised? I speak specifically of the Bill of Rights for the North, Acht na Gaeilge — the Irish language Act — and the all-Ireland inter-parliamentary forum, and I acknowledge the Ceann Comhairle's role directly in the latter. I am also familiar with the reports back on progress towards the establishment of the inter-parliamentary forum to our working group in the Houses of the Oireachtas.
In regard to the policing and justice transfer, is the Taoiseach in a position to let us know whether he, in discussions with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has considered what new areas of co-operation can now be developed? We now have a situation where the policy and management of policing in the North is vested in the island of Ireland, in Belfast. For example, I refer to the whole area of co-operation in combatting illegal drugs. Perhaps it might be no harm to also mention so-called legal drugs in this jurisdiction which, I understand, may already, or very shortly, be regarded as illegal under plans to so describe such substances in the North and in Britain that are currently available in head shops in this jurisdiction. Legislation is pending in the North and in Britain to put these on the list of banned substances. Can the Taoiseach indicate any increased address of the level of co-operation in combatting that very serious area of concern to all of us?
I refer to a response I received a short time ago from the Taoiseach's Department to a parliamentary question on Justice for the Forgotten and its role in representing the victims and survivors of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 17 May 1974. As a Deputy for more than 13 years, I have at all times received a response from the Department of the Taoiseach to questions on this matter. I was alarmed that the question was refused. This is the first time that has happened. The Taoiseach previously responded, as did his predecessor, in all my experience as a Deputy.
I was further alarmed by a response I secured from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in regard to the same matter. It stated that it is advised that the funding for Justice for Forgotten, which is the only representative body of victims of the conflict in the North of Ireland in this jurisdiction, is no longer available to it and that a decision has been taken to cease the funding stream to this very important organisation which is doing hugely important work. I make an appeal to the Taoiseach in recognition of the fact that the work of Justice for the Forgotten has not yet ceased. The group has not yet achieved its goals and objectives in terms of bringing the whole sad story behind the Dublin-Monaghan bombings and other such incidents within the Twenty-six Counties area of our country to finality and closure for the victims, their families and the survivors of these atrocities. Will the Taoiseach please ensure that a funding stream is re-opened to Justice for the Forgotten as its position is untenable? The scenario it now faces is that it will not be able to maintain its office and continue its work after a short period of weeks leading into the summer of this year. I ask the Taoiseach to take this opportunity to confirm that the matter will be reconsidered favourably.
The last issue raised by the Deputy is a funding matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. As he will be aware, funds have been made available in the past. The Minister indicated that this could not continue on an ongoing basis without any reference to the budgetary realities with which he must deal. The issue has been dealt with by the Department as best it can in the circumstances in which it finds itself.
On some of the other issues raised by the Deputy, the Hillsborough agreement sets out the various issues that are referred to. The First Minister and Deputy First Deputy oversee the exercise of examining the St. Andrews Agreement and identifying all matters contained within it which have not been faithfully implemented or actioned. There are a number of such issues. In the Hillsborough agreement, arrangements are put in place whereby those working for the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, their junior Ministers, chair a working group which will make an initial report on the outstanding matters, with recommendations on how progress can be made. The matters which have not been actioned include some of the issues referred to by the Deputy. That is a matter within the remit of the Hillsborough agreement that is being proceeded with by the Executive.
The problem, as we know, is that there are areas on which little or no progress has been made. What the Hillsborough agreement has provided in these cases is a process by which an agreement between the First and Deputy First Ministers has been reached to enable these issues to be progressed. Regarding the question of devolution of policing and powers, I agree with the Deputy that this is a very significant development.
I warmly welcome the completion of the process of devolving policing and justice powers to Northern Ireland and the appointment of Mr. David Ford as Minister for Justice. Building on the Good Friday Agreement and consistent with the spirit and recommendations of the Patten Report, authority and responsibility for policing and justice is now with the people of Northern Ireland for the first time in 40 years. We will continue to work closely with our colleagues in the Executive to address all the challenges we face at this difficult time.
On the outstanding matters such as the Bill of Rights and Acht Teanga don Ghaeilge, while I note the Taoiseach's response in regard to same, without question these are elements arising directly out of the Good Friday Agreement and St. Andrews Agreement. Will the Taoiseach endeavour to aid the objective of the earliest introduction of these very important elements? It is not within the gift of either the Dublin or London Governments to stand back from continuing to have a direct role and involvement in encouraging and assisting the bringing about of important components of the overall process, leading from the Good Friday Agreement and St. Andrews Agreement up to the Hillsborough agreement. We need to see all of these components realised.
I am aware of the energy and effort being employed in relation to the all-Ireland inter-parliamentary forum and I hope we will see the fruits of this in the current year. Will the Taoiseach please note my request for every assistance in pushing for the Bill of Rights and the Acht Teanga don Ghaeilge at the earliest opportunity?
On Justice for the Forgotten, I do not want to open up a chasm on this issue because we have had a good series of exchanges, not only in the Taoiseach's term in office but, in particular, during his predecessor's term as Taoiseach. The role of Justice for the Forgotten must continue because closure has not been arrived at. This is about the issues of truth, justice and support. The survivors and families of the victims continue to engage daily and weekly with the key players in Justice for the Forgotten. This facility and office is just a telephone call away and provides an opportunity to walk in and seek support and advice from the organisation's staff. This needs to continue.
I ask the Taoiseach not to dismiss this matter by stating that it is now under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Minister's reply offers no prospect of a funding stream continuing in this or subsequent years. I make an appeal to the Taoiseach that the spirit that applied during the term in office of his predecessor, Deputy Bertie Ahern, be continued. The former Taoiseach was focused and engaged on this issue and met with representatives of Justice for the Forgotten. I ask the Taoiseach to restore a direct interest on the part of the Department of the Taoiseach in this matter and the group in question. In addition to restoring a funding stream to allow Justice for the Forgotten to continue its valued work, will the Taoiseach meet representatives of the group in the context of all of this and at the earliest opportunity?
As I stated, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has outlined the position in relation to the funding mechanism. There is nothing I can add to that. My Department continues to have an interest in this matter. Significant progress has been made since the initial initiative was taken by my predecessor in respect of Mr. McEntee and others who have examined this matter in great detail.
The Deputy raised the question of trying to assist and bring matters forward in this difficult situation. Justice for the Forgotten and the individuals and families affected existed long before funding was ever considered for any group. The organisation will continue regardless of whether funding is available. That is not the issue; the issue is the extent to which we have been able to make progress we have made. In previous parliamentary replies, I indicated that significant efforts had been made by this Administration and previous Administrations under the leadership of former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, to try to bring forward more facts in relation to this matter.
On the question of putting forward outstanding issues that have not yet been fully implemented, the Irish Government has always stood ready to assist. In the context of the Hillsborough discussions, the initiative of both Governments to hold the talks and insist that we stick at it and try to find a solution with the agreement of the parties which attended has brought us to a position where we avoided instability in the institutions and provided a way forward. While we have an interest in all strands of the Agreement, we will continue to assist on strands two and three and we will co-operate and seek an improved and more harmonious political relationship in the Executive through the changes envisaged in the Executive regarding its workings and operations. We will also seek to see real progress being made given the common challenges we face.
There is no possibility that Justice for the Forgotten could survive without the funding stream and support it has received continuing. While great thanks are due for the funding that has been provided heretofore, the notion that the group could survive without the funding stream and do its work on the basis of the change in its members' pockets is not realistic. Support groups for survivors of the conflict North of the Border continue to receive funding for the valued work they do within their respective communities. Justice for the Forgotten is the only such group in this jurisdiction and it is vital that funding to it continues. I re-appeal to the Taoiseach to note those facts and act appropriately.
I note what the Deputy has to say about these issues. I am simply reiterating the position outlined by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and I will look at it in that context.
The Taoiseach said earlier that there is a need for sensible and practical co-operation on a North-South basis. Are there any plans to develop a common approach North and South on the issue of immigration? We have to deal with the implications of the UK e-border system. The British Government is looking to amend the common travel area in a Bill that it hopes to bring forward after the general election there.
Have any discussions taken place between the Taoiseach's office and the British Prime Minister's office on the e-border system? The Government here has shelved its plans to develop a shadow system in this jurisdiction, which has implications in dealing with the problem of cross-Border social welfare fraud and illegal immigration. In light of the fact that our Border with Northern Ireland is about as effective as a sieve and that there are 15.6 million people moving across the common travel area every year, what discussions are taking place between the Taoiseach's office and that of the British Prime Minister to have a co-ordinated approach? Has any consideration been given to the practical savings that could be made on fraud and illegal immigration by proceeding with our system?
There are no discussions at prime ministerial level on this issue. Discussions take place on these matters between the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Office, the Home Office and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Perhaps a question directed to those Ministers would allow for an accurate reply.
Official Engagements.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:7 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his visit to the United States over the St. Patrick’s Day period. [12486/10]
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:8 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his contacts with political leaders during his visit to the United States over the St. Patrick’s Day period. [12487/10]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:9 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit last month to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12952/10]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:10 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting last month with the US President; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12953/10]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:11 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his visit last month to the United States. [13707/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 11, inclusive, together.
I travelled to the United States on Friday, 12 March for engagements in Chicago, San Jose and Washington. There was a very strong economic dimension to my visit, including a trade mission to Silicon Valley and Washington DC involving more than 75 Irish companies and meetings with leading US companies. The over-riding priority for the Government over the St. Patrick's Day period was to send a strong positive message about Ireland's plan for economic recovery and the actions we have taken to confront our economic problems and to build a sustainable economic future for our people.
While in Chicago, as well as attending community events, I met with Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois, Mayor Richard M. Daley of Chicago and members of the Global Irish Network based there.
I travelled to Silicon Valley on Sunday, 14 March. While there, I met with the Mayor of San Jose, the President of Stanford University, Mr. John Hennessy, and I was briefed by the Irish Technology Leadership Group. I also launched a new Irish network in America and I opened a new Irish innovation centre. I met with senior representatives of leading US multinational companies with successful investments in Ireland, and a number of Irish companies that are successfully doing business in the United States. I also addressed a major business lunch in Silicon Valley. In the course of my address, I focused on the Government's economic recovery plan, with a particular emphasis on the smart economy and the implementation of the report of the innovation taskforce, which is central to our economic renewal.
My programme in Washington began on Tuesday 16 March with a meeting with the economic advisory board and members of the Global Irish Network. We had a very useful exchange on the current economic situation both global and domestic. I also met with Congressman Richie Neal and the friends of Ireland group and discussed recent developments in Northern Ireland and the undocumented Irish.
Later that day I announced the appointment of Mr. Gabriel Byrne as cultural ambassador for Ireland. The appointment recognised the worldwide importance of Ireland's culture and its profound connection to our economy, which was one of the major conclusions of the global Irish economic forum at Farmleigh. The cultural ambassador will work closely with the Government, Culture Ireland and artistic bodies to develop an artistic vision that is inclusive of the Irish diaspora throughout the world. Later that evening I addressed the American Ireland Fund's gala dinner, where the honouree was Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. In the course of my address, I thanked the Secretary of State for her contribution to the peace process, including her continued interest and assistance in the process in recent months and weeks. While in Washington I also met with Northern Ireland First Minister, Peter Robinson MLA and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MLA.
On St. Patrick's Day, I attended a breakfast meeting with Vice-President Biden at his residence. After breakfast, I travelled to the White House for a bilateral meeting with President Obama. Our meeting focused on the push for global economic recovery, recent developments in Northern Ireland, European and international issues and Ireland-US relations including immigration reform. Later, I attended lunch on Capitol Hill hosted by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. I also met with Senators Chris Dodd and Pat Leahy and we discussed Northern Ireland and economic developments.
My programme in Washington concluded with a reception in the White House, where I made the traditional presentation of shamrock to President Obama, as a symbol of the continuing close ties between our two countries. We both paid tribute to the memory of Senator Ted Kennedy, whose absence was keenly felt on Capitol Hill this St. Patrick's Day.
I thank the Taoiseach for his reply and for setting out the details of what was clearly a full and successful programme during his visit to the US. I welcome the appointment of Mr. Gabriel Byrne as Ireland's cultural ambassador, but can the Taoiseach tell the House a bit more about what this appointment means? What exactly will he do and what supports are being provided to him? Are staff, offices and infrastructure provided? What does it actually mean?
I understand that the Taoiseach spoke with President Obama about the strengthening of economic ties between Ireland and the US, which again is very welcome. Was there any discussion of the President Obama's initial plans to make changes in the US tax regime that might have impacted on the American companies that invest in Ireland? When the President was elected, there was some concern that changes in the US tax regime would have a negative impact on US companies investing abroad, including Ireland.
There are no offices and so on attached to the position of cultural ambassador. The new ambassador will work closely with the Government, with Culture Ireland and with artistic bodies to develop a vision that is inclusive of the Irish diaspora throughout the world. It is about how we can promote culture on its own intrinsic merit to expand the footprint of the country worldwide, so that people can know who and what we are. There are also economic ties to culture, such as cultural events and the impact they make. There are many prominent Irish people involved in the cultural life of many societies around the world. The US contains a huge part of the business of culture, otherwise known as the entertainment industry.
Mr. Gabriel Byrne is somebody who can assist Ireland in that respect. He will work with Culture Ireland and with artistic bodies. He will be involved in trying to make sure that we assist in funding for the new arts theatre in New York. There is a range of issues involved, but it is open for Mr. Byrne to use those issues. These bodies will work with him on how to use his personage as a means of promoting our country and our culture in the US and elsewhere. He may not be our only cultural ambassador in the future, as others might be of assistance as well. It provides an outlet for the diaspora to contribute in a meaningful way to modern Ireland.
The second question was on fiscal issues. On my first meeting with President Obama last year, he made it clear when I raised this issue — and perhaps it was more current, not long after his inauguration — that he does not regard Ireland as being among the countries that he would have in mind. He was talking about those where people name-plate their operations and use such jurisdictions for fiscal purposes. That is an issue which is not only a matter of policy development or an ultimate decision for the President, but also for Congress. Therefore there would be a considerable legislative process to be considered as to how all that would work out. We will be in close touch with senators and members of Congress, including the Friends of Ireland group who will be of assistance to us in that respect as well, to ensure that there is a clear understanding of Ireland's position. We are totally compliant regarding all international tax treaties. It is not well known by some who do not know how the relationship has developed, particularly the economic relationship, so we will also use the opportunity to emphasise the level of cross-investment between Irish-owned companies in the United States which, in terms of employment, practically mirrors the level of employment of US companies here. That fact is not even well known, understood or appreciated at home, let alone abroad.
There are 227 Irish companies with operations in the United States, employing more than 81,000 people across 2,630 US locations. That gives an indication of just how changed the relationship is in terms of an industrial, manufacturing and services presence in the United States by Irish companies. We are currently the 13th largest investor in the United States with cumulative investments valued at approximately $34 billion. The US is Ireland's largest services trading partner, and our second largest merchandise trading partner. Taken together, that trade was valued at $50.5 billion in 2008. Therefore the economic relationship between the United States and Ireland is one of significant two-way trade and investment that generates jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. We see ourselves as representing the perfect gateway for US industry to the European market. Getting those messages across in the context of how people view Ireland is an important part of the discussion and interaction we will have, not only with President Obama and his administration's officials but also with Congress.
Despite last year's difficult trading conditions, 47 Irish companies opened up operations in the United States. There is a huge opportunity for us there, even in the current difficult circumstances. As we move out of recession and as world trading conditions improve, the diverse nature of Irish trade in America is an important factor in our recovery.
As the Taoiseach is aware, on many occasions, Deputy Ring has raised the question on behalf of the Fine Gael Party of the undocumented Irish in America. In the Taoiseach's discussions with President Obama, did the latter indicate whether his Administration will attempt to introduce comprehensive immigration legislation or a bilateral arrangement? The Taoiseach is aware of the continuing difficulties that some undocumented Irish are having, which will probably be exacerbated because of the numbers travelling to America because of the economic crisis here. There will therefore be many more undocumented Irish people there in future. Did the Taoiseach make any comment to President Obama in respect of his Government's approach to that matter?
On the same issue, did the Taoiseach avail of an opportunity to raise the situation of undocumented Irish immigrants in the United States? Arising from whatever exchange took place, if any, can the Taoiseach advise if progress is expected to alleviate their plight?
Yes, I did raise the issue directly with the President and with others. The feeling in the United States is that the best prospect for a solution for the undocumented is through comprehensive immigration reform. President Obama signalled that comprehensive immigration reform remains high on his agenda. I would emphasise that while it is a difficult political issue domestically, the President is committed to finding a solution in a comprehensive immigration proposal. That requires congressional consensus as well, but there is a strong and genuine interest on the President's part to try to deal with this issue within the constraints he must operate under.
Deputy Gilmore referred to the issue of the cultural ambassador. Culture Ireland will organise a season of Irish arts in the United States in 2011, showcasing world-class Irish artists and companies and reinvesting in our unique cultural relationship with America. It will include clusters of events in a range of key cities, including New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, among others. Gabriel Byrne has played a key role in developing the concept for that season. As cultural ambassador, he will be advising Culture Ireland, as well as Irish embassies and consulates in the United States, on creating a dynamic programme of arts, ideas, debate and reflection, which will help to foster a renewed, forward-looking cultural relationship between Ireland and America.