Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Secretary General and all the staff at the Department for their work. I acknowledge the work of our diplomatic corps. Deputy Farrell and I, through our membership of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, would have occasion to deal with our embassies a couple of times a year and see their work at first hand. I also have seen this recently in respect of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Mr. Burgess talked about communication. The recent RTÉ documentary showing the working of our missions was very important in getting that out to the wider public. I acknowledge that at the outset.

A key role of our ambassadors is linked to the promotion of this country, its economic base and the strength of our firms on a global basis. In that context Martin Shanahan from IDA Ireland spoke about and spoke highly of that work when he was here. One of the key countries is undoubtedly the US given its influence here in terms of investment. This week some Members of the Oireachtas have refused to attend celebrations at the US Embassy in the Phoenix Park because of the actions of the US President. His actions involving the imprisonment of people in meshed cages on the border would not be seen in "Game of Thrones". I think this man is trying to style himself on Ramsay Bolton, such is the cruelty of the actions he is overseeing

I ask the Secretary General to outline the impact of these globally viewed actions on relations between us and US representatives in the Phoenix Park. I am conscious of the fine line, given the work of people like Martin Shanahan and the investment he speaks of. Does that play a role in restricting the Department's response both here and in our embassy in the US when there might be an intention to want to go harder? It is an extremely important issue this week. That Members of these Houses are refusing invitations from the US Embassy is a very serious matter from a diplomatic point of view and I would like to hear the Secretary General's thoughts on that.