Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I share many of the Taoiseach's views with regard to Ireland's relationship with the United States. I had a recent brief meeting with Ambassador Rooney. He is a good man with a great love of Ireland and I am confident he will do whatever he can to continue the very strong relationship between our two countries. Is the Taoiseach happy with the reports from IDA Ireland in respect of the pipeline for investment from the United States, that it is still strong and that opportunities are still there? Is he concerned about the clear lack of competitiveness in business here? I am sure the Government is reflecting on this point.

Can the Taoiseach provide any update on the proposal by President Obama and the White House to deal with income generated by multinationals outside the United States which would have an impact on Ireland? Can he provide any update on the discussions about Irish illegal immigrants, the undocumented Irish, as they are known? The Taoiseach is well acquainted with this problem. There appears to be a divergence of opinion because on the one hand the Taoiseach is looking for comprehensive and specific legislation from the White House and the US Congress and others, in respect of Ireland. Is there any update available in this regard?

The Taoiseach will be attending the Copenhagen conference on climate change. Does he accept we are not going to get anywhere unless there is an acceptance of a massive transfer of resources from richer to poorer countries and that unless world leaders, the European Union, the United States, India, China and others, sign up, no progress will be made as a result of the conference?

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