Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On my own behalf and that of the Civil Engagement group, I congratulate Mr. Martin Groves and wish him the best of luck in his new role as Clerk of the Seanad.

Like everyone else, I express my disgust and horror at the executive order issued by the Trump Administration last Friday. President Trump's defence is based on national security grounds, but no nationals of the relevant countries were involved in the events of 9/11 and the central shared feature is that they are all Muslim-majority nations. President Trump campaigned on a platform of nativism and racism, but many commentators said his radical policies would never be implemented. However, recent events have proved them to be wholly wrong. I am horrified that a US President believes he is justified in pursuing this course of action. He is targeting members of one of the world's largest religions based on the actions of extremists, a religion which has 3.3 million followers in his own country. He is absolutely failing in his duty to represent all Americans. It is clear that we must take every opportunity available to us to oppose and resist the discriminatory policies of this President which fly in the face of the values of the Irish people and Irish society. We value diversity which we appreciate is one of our greatest strengths. We oppose discrimination and those who engage in the politics of division. I support the call that the provision of US immigration per-clearance facilities be reviewed to ensure we are in full compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements. If it is discovered that we are colluding on Irish soil in imposing this discriminatory ban, I we should no longer offer the service at Irish airports.