Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the announcement that the Government is establishing a commission of inquiry into the allegations of a campaign within the Garda to discredit whistleblowers within the force. I know that announcement has been made following a Cabinet meeting today. It is in keeping with the recommendation made by Mr. Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill in his inquiry earlier last year.

I call on the Leader to arrange a debate on US immigration policy in light of the restrictions that were announced by US President Trump last week. I was among many people who protested outside the US Embassy on Thursday evening. The numbers there in the lashing rain showed the immense concern among Irish people at the nature of the new restrictions that President Trump announced, notably the restrictions on citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries.

This is not just about that particular restriction. We saw the chairman of Ornua, formerly the Irish Dairy Board, talking about difficulties that he has had since President Trump took office with getting Irish graduates into the US for the first time. The new immigration policy in the US is a much bigger issue than just that restriction. I welcome that over the weekend, the US courts have effectively brought about the suspension of the ban. I am conscious that the ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals is hearing the appeal being brought by the US Department of Justice this afternoon. I hope the US justice system will be robust enough to withstand the dreadful critiques that we have seen from President Trump and the attacks that he has made on members of the judiciary. I hope we will see the most recent immigration restrictions lifted or indefinitely suspended.

If the restrictions remain in place, I would join with the Labour Party leader, Deputy Brendan Howlin, in calling on the Taoiseach to stay away from the White House on St. Patrick's Day. There is immense concern among Irish people at the nature of these restrictions and the Taoiseach would do well to note people's concerns.