Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 7, inclusive, together.

I spoke to President Trump by telephone last week. It was a short call, similar to a number of calls I have had in recent days. The President asked about Brexit and its impact on Ireland, as well as the peace process and the ongoing efforts to reinstate power-sharing in Northern Ireland. I outlined the current situation, including our particular concerns in relation to Brexit and acknowledged the importance of continued close interest and support in Northern Ireland affairs from the US Administration. While we did not discuss a possible visit to Ireland by the President, he reissued the invitation to me, as Taoiseach, to attend the traditional functions in Washington for St. Patrick’s Day, including meeting him in the White House. I look forward to attending these events next March.

During our short conversation I raised a number of issues, including Ireland-US trade relations, migration, the scale of Irish investment in the United States and the importance of US foreign direct investment to Ireland and climate change. I indicated that I looked forward to having an opportunity to discuss these issues with him in more detail in due course. As I said in the House last week, I want to see our relations with the United States continue to develop based on the long-standing friendship between our two countries. As Taoiseach, I am committed to working productively with the US Administration to promote Ireland’s interests in the United States and further strengthen the economic, trade and investment links between Ireland and the United States to the mutual benefit of both countries. At the same time, I will ensure I promote the values of this country and the European values for which the Government stands.

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