Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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339. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has issued clarification for persons with dual nationality and dual passports that were born in one of the seven countries named in the US President's executive orders and wish to travel to the United States and avail of the preclearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6054/17]

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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343. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the executive order signed by US President, Donald Trump, which bans citizens from seven Muslim majority countries from entering the USA; his further views on whether this order may violate the USA's obligations to accept persons seeking asylum on humanitarian grounds under the Geneva Convention; if he will examine the consequence of President Trump’s executive order for persons with dual citizenship of one of these seven countries and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5635/17]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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349. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of his discussions with members of the United States administration and with members of the Senate and House of Representatives in relation to the undocumented Irish and the need for immigration reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6050/17]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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350. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he had discussions during his recent visit to the United States with representatives of the Irish community in relation to the undocumented Irish and immigration reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6051/17]

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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351. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his meeting with the United States' National Security Advisor. [6113/17]

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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352. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent visit to the United States of America. [6114/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 339, 343, and 349 to 352, inclusive, together.

Regarding the Executive Order signed by President Trump on 27 January, 2017, and as made clear in my statement on 29 January, I fully share the concerns on humanitarian grounds expressed by other EU partners regarding this development. The US cannot suspend its obligations under the Geneva Convention by means of this Executive Order. I have noted the clarification issued by the Embassy of the United States in Dublin on 31 January, 2017, to the effect that the Executive Order in question does not restrict the travel of dual nationals to the United States, so long as they hold the passport of an unrestricted country and possess a valid US visa, if required. In recent days, the US courts have intervened and imposed a temporary suspension on the implementation of the Executive Order.

Issues regarding the recent Executive Order and immigration reform were high on the agenda for my visit to Washington DC from 31 January to 2 February. I had a number of engagements with the Administration and Congressional leaders, including the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, the House majority leader and the House minority leader, among others.

In my meetings with Congressional leaders, as well as with the US National Security Advisor, General Flynn, I expressed Ireland’s deep concerns with regard to the nature and impact of the recent Executive Order. In response, General Flynn outlined to me the rationale - in terms of US immigration policy - for these temporary measures, while I pointed out their damaging consequences in humanitarian terms, as well as for the international reputation of the United States.

In regard to immigration reform, achieving relief for the undocumented Irish citizens in the United States and securing a legal pathway for migration to the United States remain key objectives for the Government. These priorities featured in all of my meetings in Washington, DC – including with General Flynn in the White House, with Speaker Ryan and other Congressional leaders.

Both the Administration and members of Congress are fully aware of the importance of this issue for Ireland and appreciate our strong continuing interest in securing immigration reform. The Taoiseach’s forthcoming visit to Washington DC for St. Patrick’s Day will provide a key opportunity to raise the issue of immigration reform – especially the plight of our undocumented – directly with President Trump.

During my visit, I also met with members of the Irish community in Washington, DC and re-assured them of the Government’s commitment to immigration reform. I emphasised that, while the political context in Washington may have changed, the Government’s objectives remain constant: relief for the undocumented and finding some legislative pathway for legal immigration. I noted that we can only advance these objectives if we engage and build relationships with the key decision makers in the Administration and Congress.

In addressing these immigration issues, the Embassy of Ireland in Washington and our Consulates across the United States continue to work with Irish Immigration Centres on a daily basis in providing support to Irish citizens in the United States.

Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Ms Anne Anderson, held a workshop with key immigration stake-holders, in the Irish community, from across the United States at the Embassy on 12 January last. The conclusions emerging from that meeting will help to guide the future efforts of the Embassy and our Consulates in providing practical support to undocumented Irish citizens across the US.