Billy Lawless (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Thank you very much. It was super presentation and it makes me proud to be Irish when I see the achievements of Irish Aid over the last number of years. Most of my questions have been covered by my colleagues. However, one issue that concerns me is my adopted country, the US. We see a complete change in direction from this administration, which is really frightening. I refer to immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. One really disturbing thing to see is young children being stopped at the border with South America, including children from Ms Foster-Breslin's country of Guatemala. These children are as young as six years old. They are on their own, are given no legal representation, have no one to look after them and are being deported immediately. It is outrageous what is happening there. How is it affecting our relationship with the United States in regard to aid to the Third World or countries that need it? Is it affecting our position because many of us are very concerned about the humanitarian aspect and the United States. Being one the largest countries in the free world, there is much to be concerned about. Is this change of direction affecting our position overseas?