Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The brief visit of President Trump next month appears to have been confirmed this morning.

I have been very clear in my party's attitude to President Trump and his policies. However, the US is a country with which we have strong relations and connections. It is correct for the Taoiseach to meet him should President Trump wish to visit here. I find it ironic that people who have no trouble meeting and defending a dictator, who has suspended parliament and is starving his opponents, believe we should boycott the American President.

That said, Ireland is a free democracy and people must be given the opportunity to protest if they wish. Will the Taoiseach guarantee that reasonable provision will be made for the right of people to protest against the visit? The Taoiseach should raise with the President the fact that Ireland is supportive of and firmly committed to the European Union and that we do not like the current policy of the US President and Government which seems to be undermining the role and status of the European Union. That was evident in his recent embracing of Hungary's Prime Minister, Mr. Orbán, which was a clear snub to the European Commission and the EU generally. That matter should be raised. Will the Taoiseach ensure that the security arrangements are appropriate to our traditions and that we do not accept any unreasonable requests in this regard?

Separately, during the European Parliament election campaign, it has become clear throughout Europe that the effort to undermine free democracy continues. The very close connection between the Putin Government and the extremes of both right and left is more obvious than ever. While it took a long time, the Government eventually stopped opposing our calls for measures to counteract anti-democratic interference in Irish elections. Will the Taoiseach commit to speeding up this work to ensure we reduce the risk of the types of abuse seen elsewhere? At a minimum, will he demand and, if necessary, legislate for complete transparency in online political advertising for which Deputy Lawless has long campaigned?

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