Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree that the Taoiseach must visit the White House as it is important to do so. I profoundly disagree with the policies of President Trump and I think most people in this country probably do. That does not mean we should not visit a country which has received millions of Irish emigrants over generations and centuries. When Irish people went there first, they were of the wrong religion, they spoke the wrong language, were very poor and had serious issues with America as it was then. However, they stood the test of time and integrated into society, as Muslims do now and will in the future. The ban is wrong and if there is to be a recognition of that strong view in Ireland the Taoiseach should also visit the Statue of Liberty and lay a wreath for the words that are there written, welcoming "your poor, your huddled masses". That is what America is about and that is what this country is about, in terms of meeting the needs of our emigrants who have gone there.

I welcome the appointment of the ambassador to Ireland, Brian Burns, and it is important we continue to build strong bonds, which a new ambassador, American investment and a recognition of the importance America places on its Irish heritage will do. Ireland cannot stick its head in the sand for St. Patrick's Day. It must not and will not.

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