Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

96. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting in Boston with the city mayor and, in particular, his comments regarding the Irish undocumented; and the other issues that were discussed. [14478/17]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As part of my St. Patrick's Day programme in the United States I met Mayor of Boston Marty Walsh on 13 March. We discussed the bilateral economic and trade relationship between Ireland and US and resulting employment for both countries, current economic developments in both Boston and Ireland, Brexit and the US-EU relationship.

I informed Mayor Walsh that US immigration reform and the question of relief for the up to 50,000 undocumented hardworking Irish men and women was a priority for my visit and I intended to raise it at every available opportunity. I emphasised the contribution which generations of Irish immigrants have made to America for centuries and the deep cultural and economic ties which characterise our modern relationship.

Mayor Walsh updated me on the impact of President Trump’s executive orders on the immigrant community in Boston and spoke of his administration’s efforts to provide comprehensive services and information. He spoke of the Trust Act in Boston, and his determination to stand in solidarity with immigrants.