Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

No. It was before my time.

Obviously, the development the Taoiseach has described around the J1 visas is concerning. Will the Taoiseach set out exactly what he has done about it so far by way of engagement or representation? Although that is concerning, it is secondary to the longer-standing and deeper concern for the undocumented or those who have overstayed various visas in the United States. I know this is a matter on which the House is united in looking for a resolution. However, what I am not clear on, outside of the Taoiseach's visits to the United States, especially on the occasion of St. Patrick's Day, is the rhythm of the Taoiseach's engagement on this issue. How regularly does the Taoiseach, personally, or his Department intervene and interface with members of the US Congress or the US ambassador in Dublin? I am keen to get a sense of how that works. Can the Taoiseach set out the supports afforded by the Taoiseach's Administration to those groups which, as he has said, work incessantly or tirelessly on behalf of the undocumented stateside?

I warmly welcome the remarks the Taoiseach has made in respect of the rather vile commentary in respect of immigrants to the United States. It is not only ourselves as an emigrant nation who understand that phenomenon. The United States is built on the immigrant experience, not only from our shores but from further afield. I very much welcome the Taoiseach's comments.

When the Taoiseach met President Obama, did he discuss the current refugee crisis, the Syrian crisis? What was the content of that exchange? What discussions has the Taoiseach had in respect of the Stormont House Agreement? As we know, the negotiations are under way. The Taoiseach has acknowledged that the North is a special case in many respects since it is coming out of a period of protracted conflict. All of us support and understand the concept of not only peace but a peace dividend in economic terms. Will the Taoiseach press for the restoration of the block grant budget that has been stripped of £1.5 billion? This looms large in the current negotiations. Has the Taoiseach pressed for a workable budget for the institutions? Will the Taoiseach honour his commitments in respect of the construction of the A5 motorway? Did any of these matters form part of the discussion the Taoiseach had with the President of the United States?

Question No. 29 relates to human rights lawyer Pat Finucane. He was shot dead in front of his wife, Geraldine - she was also shot - and their children at their home in north Belfast on 12 February 1989.

I think the Taoiseach will agree with me when I say that Pat's family are to be commended on their courage, diligence and stamina in demanding a public inquiry into the killing. The trauma and stress they have experienced has been made all the greater because of the intransigence of the British Government to honour a freely made commitment at Weston Park to hold a public inquiry. In 2001, as the Taoiseach knows, the British Government agreed, along with the Irish Government, to invite Mr. Justice Peter Cory to determine the need for an inquiry. He concluded that there ought to be one, and yet the British Government has refused to implement the Weston Park Agreement.

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