Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join my colleagues in offering the warmest of congratulations to Martin Groves. He has been exemplary in the support he has given to us all, especially the Senators who are new to the Chamber. I wish him every happiness in and enjoyment of his new role and I know that he will perform it wonderfully.

I am not going to reiterate all the points that have been made regarding concerns about the executive order, which is one of a number of very concerning executive orders that have been issued by the new President of the United States of America. The executive order, commonly known as the Muslim ban, has been of particular concern because it has immediate relevance for Ireland. While we can talk about symbolic protests against it, we also need very concrete action in Ireland in terms of how we respond to an executive order which is not just discriminatory but which is very much designed to sow division. As someone who was an immigrant in America in the past, I am very much aware of the spirit of inclusion and diversity that is at the heart of what has made and grown that country.

There are concerns relating to the Aviation (Preclearance) Act of 2009. That Act very clearly requires compatibility with Irish law. It is imperative there is urgent action to ensure what is happening in our airports is compliant with our UN obligations to refugees, the European Convention on Human Rights and our own laws, particularly in respect of national origin and ensuring equality on that basis. If we cannot be satisfied as to that, we must consider whether we can continue with the preclearance policies. We have seen widespread opposition, led in many cases by Irish-Americans in the US, including the Mayor of Boston, Mr. Marty Walsh, who led one of the initiatives with regard to cities of sanctuary. I urge the Taoiseach and other Ministers to visit Boston and engage with Mr. Walsh. That would be a constructive measure and would show solidarity with those Irish-Americans whom Mr. Walsh and others are representing.

I was part of the Irish branch of the women's march on Washington and saw the growing opposition in the US.We are seeing a very systematic silencing of opposition and we need to be very robust in respect of it. I refer here, for example, to what has happened regarding the National Parks Service, the global gag rule, etc. There has been a dissolution of checks and balances which has allowed Mr. Steve Bannon, an individual about whom I am concerned and to whom I referred previously in the House, appears to have been recommended for membership of the National Security Council. In the context of this and of statements made in respect of torture in recent months, I ask that we review the position with regard to Shannon. Valid concerns have been raised about US military use of Shannon and the need to address them is now more urgent than ever.

When the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade comes before the House, as requested by my colleague, Senator Bacik, I ask that he also address the EU's immigration policy and the partnership framework agreements we are making with countries such as Afghanistan in respect of repatriation. There is a real concern that Europe needs to observe the highest standards of transparency and equality in context of its migration policies. I request that we have a debate on this matter, on the agreement between the EU and Turkey and on other agreements.