Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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338. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has contacted the foreign Minister of Mexico recently. [5776/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I have not personally been in contact with the Foreign Minister of Mexico in recent months, but I can assure you that my Department and representatives at the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, in particular our Ambassador to Mexico, Ms. Sonja Hyland, regularly interact with our Mexican counterparts, and will continue to engage positively on areas of mutual interest between our two countries.

Bilateral relations between Ireland and Mexico are excellent and longstanding and continue to develop. In 2015, Ireland and Mexico celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations with an extensive programme of events in both countries. Our close links are most evident in the areas of economic cooperation – for instance, Mexico is our largest trading partner in Latin America with goods trade up 15% in 2015.

In addition, increased official visits, cooperation between education institutions (particularly in the area of science and technology), and the significant increase in the number of tourists travelling in both directions in recent years are all indicative of a vibrant bilateral relationship between both countries.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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339. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contacts he or his Department had with the American Administration following the announcement of the executive order on immigration. [5775/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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341. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his officials have written or spoken to the US Administration recently regarding the undocumented Irish in the USA. [7052/17]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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345. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contact he has had with the United States Administration regarding changes to immigration procedures proposed and initiated by US President, Mr. Trump; and if he has received legal advice for any implications for Ireland. [7059/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 339, 341 and 345 together.

With regard to the Executive Order signed by President Trump on 27 January, 2017, I made clear in my statement on 29 January last that, while US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities, it is clear that the recent decision could have far-reaching implications – both on humanitarian grounds and on relations between the US and the global Muslim community. Accordingly, I share the concerns of other EU partners regarding this development. 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. Since then, the US courts have intervened and imposed a temporary suspension on the implementation of the Executive Order.

Both the recent Executive Order and the question of immigration reform were high on the agenda during 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 – now former – 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.

Achieving relief for the undocumented Irish citizens in the United States and securing greater legal pathways 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, with Speaker Ryan and with 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 and 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 the US administration at the highest levels.

During my recent 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 greater pathways for legal migration. I noted that we can only advance these objectives if we engage and articulate our views with key policymakers in the Administration and Congress.

I would like to stress the fact that the Embassy in Washington, DC, 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.

Our Ambassador to the United States, Anne Anderson, held a workshop with key immigration stake-holders from across the United States at the Embassy on 12 January last. The Government and my Department is committed to providing practical support to undocumented Irish citizens across the US, while also continuing to advocate for immigration reform.