Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The answer to the question from Deputy Joan Burton is, "no." I have not been in contact directly with the American President. There has been official contact at diplomatic level. I pointed out today, in answer to questions on Leaders' Questions, that we have had confirmation and clarification given in regard to a number of matters arising from the executive order signed by the US President, specifically, in regard to the 5,000 people from the seven countries named in the executive order who have received Irish citizenship in the past five or six years and their right to be able to enter the United States on presentation of their Irish passport as distinct from the passport of their original country. This was not a matter that was clarified early on. It is now clarified. It has been clarified by official contact at Government level in the United States.

The Deputy asked me about the pro temUS Attorney General, Ms Sally Yates. Ms Yates is a woman of great courage. She stood up for what she believed in here. This is a matter of the interpretation of the United States legislation and constitution. I understand that Ms Yates considered the matter carefully over the weekend and wrote what she believed in. I understand that the letter was hand-delivered to her at 9 p.m., at 9.02 p.m. the White House issued its statement and at 9.15 p.m. the newly appointed interim US Attorney General signed the reversal order of her direction.

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