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

On Deputy Bacik's question, we did not receive any US intelligence regarding operatives operating in the embassy during my conversation with the President. We discussed cybersecurity and the threat that represents for Ireland and for both private and public sector entities working in Ireland. We also discussed the need for a collaborative approach in order to repel cyberattacks and develop stronger resilience against cybersecurity threats.

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We had an informed discussion on the war in Ukraine, among other issues. He was particularly appreciative of the Irish humanitarian response and the number of displaced persons who we have received from Ukraine, as well as other initiatives, including sanctions and support for Ukraine's European perspective.

Deputy Brendan Smith raised the issue of the undocumented. Our consulates and the embassy in Washington are doing everything possible to encourage representatives to progress migration reform, but it is a factor of US democracy and the US political system at the moment that migration reform is not easy. We were close some years ago. There was one vote in the difference on the E-3 visa. We hope that we can get that back on the agenda. The Speaker and others say they are determined to get that done and we will continue to pursue that.

Deputy Haughey raised the issue highlighted by President Biden since he became President, that there is an essential struggle in the world to preserve and underpin democracies. The war in Ukraine is a wake-up call to people that enough is enough.

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