merrion street

While US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities, it is clear that the most recent decisions 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 most recent development.

Many people are feeling great concern about these changes including some Irish citizens in the United States. Our Embassy in Washington and Consulates remain in active and ongoing contact with Irish immigration centres throughout the US. I am conscious that matters are still evolving and that the US courts are now involved. We will continue to monitor developments in this area very closely.
Ireland has a vibrant multinational community which contribute a great deal to our country.  
Under our Refugee Protection Programme Ireland is welcoming 80 asylum seekers every month from migration camps in Greece, as well as refugees from the Lebanon.

I have been in close contact with the Taoiseach about these developments and next week I will be in Washington DC for political meetings on Capitol Hill where immigration issues will be among those discussed.