Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Does the ambassador's mandate extend to the relationship between the European Union, the United States and the Middle East, specifically Israel? A lack of consistency exists in foreign policy attitudes towards Israel because of diverging views. The US has an extremely consistent view. What is the ambassador's role in this?

The ambassador mentioned the United Nations although he did not touch on it too much in his excellent speech. The ambassador can take it as read I echo the welcome extended to him. Supporting the United Nations is a core principle of Ireland's foreign policy. However, as the ambassador pointed out deep flaws exist in the system. Does the ambassador have a role in this regard? Does he see a permanent future for the United Nations or will it go the way of the League of Nations, particularly as the US takes a dismissive view and only uses and manipulates it when it suits its foreign policy?

Does the ambassador have any influence in the context of the results of the recent election in the US whereby the House of Representatives has had a change of leadership? It was a blocking mechanism for immigration reform laws. The ambassador and I met on a number of occasions to discuss this matter and I know he has a personal interest in the undocumented Irish. Does his mandate extend to the possibility of influencing the US towards providing more green cards for the undocumented Irish?