Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2017
39. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the appropriateness of the planned visit by senior members of the Government to the President of the United States of America in view of the recent positions taken by the US President on immigration, human rights, foreign affairs and other issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8764/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had or is planning any discussions with the Taoiseach on issues that he should raise when he visits the White House in March 2017; if these issues include changes to US foreign policy with regards to Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8769/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 59 together.
The US President has extended an invitation to the Taoiseach to visit the White House for the traditional St Patrick’s Day events this March. Similarly, Vice-President Pence has said that he would be happy to continue the tradition of hosting a St Patrick’s Day breakfast at the US Naval Observatory, while Speaker Paul Ryan has confirmed his intention of hosting the traditional Friends of Ireland lunch on Capitol Hill.
Collectively, the St. Patrick’s Day events in Washington provide invaluable opportunities for the Government to discuss, at the very highest levels with the US Administration, our priorities and concerns. It is also an opportunity to inform the new Administration and Congress of issues of particular Irish interest, including immigration reform in the United States and the continuing need for vigilance on the Peace Process in Northern Ireland.
In our multifaceted bilateral relations with the United States, St Patrick’s Day-related engagements represent a key annual opportunity to pursue Ireland’s interests and concerns with the US Administration. The events surrounding St. Patrick’s Day also offer us the chance to reaffirm our longstanding relationship with a broad array of US stakeholders, based on shared values of democracy and the rule of law, as well as economic and historic ties.
Whether or not the Middle East Peace Process features in those discussions will depend on developments between now and then. While President Trump has made clear his preference for moving the United States Embassy to Jerusalem, his Administration has stated that it is studying the issue before making any announcement. I also noted the President’s comments following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It is unclear what these comments may mean in practice. I and my Department follow these issues closely and will continue to do so.
