Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 to 18, inclusive, together.

I have not had any contact with either President Trump or Vice President Pence since their inauguration on 20 January. However, as I have previously reported to the House, I raised immigration reform and our economic and trading interests with both President Trump and Vice President Pence during my phone calls with them following the US elections. President Trump's office has made clear his intention to continue the St Patrick's Day tradition and this has since been confirmed by his office since his inauguration. I pIan to continue to protect and promote the strong links between the Irish and American people by visiting the US for a St. Patrick's Day programme. As in previous years, I will work to protect and advance the interests of the undocumented Irish and promote Ireland's political and economic values and interests.

Regarding other official trips abroad, there will be a summit of EU Heads of State in Malta on the future of the EU on Friday, 3 February. A meeting of EU Heads of State and Government is planned for 24 to 25 March to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome and there are scheduled meetings of the European Council on 9 to 10 March, 22 to 23 June, 19 to 20 October and 14 to 15 December.

In addition, an extensive programme of engagement with all other EU member states and the EU institutions has been under way for some time in the context of outlining Ireland's Brexit priorities. For my part, I recently visited Prime Minister Rajoy in Madrid. I plan to visit Warsaw in February to meet Prime Minister Szydlo. I will also take the opportunity while in Poland to participate in a number of trade promotion events. I will continue to engage with my EU counterparts, as will other Ministers, over the coming weeks to emphasise Ireland's concerns in this regard and to ensure that they are fully reflected in the EU position once the negotiations commence. Arrangements for other meetings with some of my European Council partners are being explored. I will be happy to report to the House in due course on all such engagements.

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