Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Will Deputy John Deasy report back to the Taoiseach? Will he be supported by staff at our embassy in Washington or in the Taoiseach's Department? What will be his status in interactions? Will he speak authoritatively for the Government? How will it work and how will he co-ordinate his role with the formal role of our ambassador to Washington which we have always understood? Mr. Dan Mulhall who is about to take up the position is an extraordinarily experienced ambassador. Those of us who have been to Washington for decades will know the pivotal role played by our ambassador to Washington who has unique access to Capitol Hill. How will this be co-ordinated with somebody else? Is it envisaged that Deputy John Deasy will spend some part of the year in residence in Washington?

My second question relates to the Taoiseach's conversation with President Trump.

Did the Taoiseach and President Trump discuss his proposal for a border adjustment tax within the broader topic of free trade? Is there any indication that this proposal will be advanced by the Trump Administration?

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