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

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I shall begin arís and with feeling, if the Fianna Fáilers can contain themselves. The Minister does not have to convince me of the value of that relationship. Irish America has kept faith with this country and has been a valuable advocate, not least in respect of the Irish peace process. I am glad to hear the issue of the undocumented is high on the list of political priorities. Efforts and supports for emigrants in the United States need to be stepped up. This issue must be raised with President Trump. I refer to the 50,000 people for whom a return journey home for any family occasion such as funerals or births is impossible. We know their plight is very serious. I will reiterate, with absolute respect to the American electorate who have exercised their democratic right, it is very important that the Taoiseach is explicit in expressing the values that we, as Irish people, hold.

The reason I am running over time is because those in the Fianna Fáil benches-----

See this speech in context