Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My question was more general and was on whether the Minister raised the executive order banning people from seven countries, which has since been suspended. My serious concern is that the message the Minister is taking from this Dáil is that we welcome the forthcoming visit to America. While I believe the Taoiseach should go to America, I suggest he should carry with him the strong voice of this Dáil, which does not agree with what President Trump is saying. A report produced by Amnesty International refers specifically to the politics of demonisation, which shamefully peddles a dangerous idea that some people are less human than others and thereby strips away the humanity of entire groups of people. While the undocumented Irish are extremely important and near to my heart - I welcome the questions about them - the importance of this issue and this policy extends beyond Irish people in America and goes to the heart of what we want the Taoiseach to tell President Trump. It is simply not acceptable to ban people based on race, religion or a decision made on a whim by an American President. Since the suspension of the initial order, the US Administration has brought in a new executive order, which is equally worrying in respect of the undocumented Irish and all the other undocumented people in America. The Minister should familiarise himself with it. I would appreciate it if he could address the matters I have raised.

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