Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Can the Taoiseach indicate to us his hopes in respect of an engagement with President Obama other than the photo opportunity of the presentation? Is he hopeful? Does he expect to have a meaningful engagement with the President and to have the opportunity to address, in a serious and focused way, the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States? All sides of this House share concern on this issue. There is a critical need to start ratcheting up pressure with regard to this matter. It drifted during the former President's terms and this has caused huge hurt and anguish for Irish people in the United States, and for their families here. I presume we are all conscious of this.

In the context of President Obama's day one announcement in respect of Guantanamo and all matters emanating from that, during the course of his telephone conversation did the Taoiseach address the issue of extraordinary rendition and how it has applied in Ireland, and, specifically, at Shannon Airport? Will he address the issue in the course of an upcoming engagement with the US President in the context of his stated intent? Will we now see a new regime of inspection agreed to between the US Administration and Ireland?

See this speech in context