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US immigration order expected to dominate Cabinet meeting

This morning's Cabinet meeting is expected to be dominated by Donald Trump's immigration controls...
Newstalk
Newstalk

07.31 31 Jan 2017


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US immigration order expected...

US immigration order expected to dominate Cabinet meeting

Newstalk
Newstalk

07.31 31 Jan 2017


Share this article


This morning's Cabinet meeting is expected to be dominated by Donald Trump's immigration controls.

Independent ministers are furious at the actions of the US President, who has put a 90 day hold on immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries. 

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is refusing to cancel his St Patrick's Day trip to the White House, but has ordered a complete review of US pre-clearance at Irish airports.

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The Independent Alliance say they are incensed at it, and Ministers Shane Ross and Finian McGrath will raise it at Cabinet this morning.

Minister Katherine Zappone called for a review of US pre-clearance at Irish airports after one person was refused it at Dublin.

Last night, the Taoiseach ordered a complete review of the system at Dublin and Shannon.

He also declared he disagrees with the policy introduced by Donald Trump and says he will tell him that when he visits in March.

That was a clear message to the calls from the opposition and doubts within the government about the visit to the White House in March.

The Taoiseach says he does not want to abandon the influence of the US and become isolationist by not going.

Minister Simon Coveney says it would be a poor decision for the Taoiseach not to travel to the White House.

Speaking this morning, he argued: "I think he should go. The mature and long historic relationship between Ireland and the US is very, very strong - and we should be using that relationship at the moment to ensure the Irish position in relation to US policy at the moment is understood."

Meanwhile, Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan heads to Washington today for a series of meetings with political and business leaders.

The Minister will meet US congressional leaders including Speaker of the House Paul Ryan over the course of the three-day visit.

He says he will be raising issues such as President Trump's immigration order, the status of the undocumented Irish, and economic ties. 

Minister Flanagan said: “This visit is an important opportunity to meet with US Congressional leaders and to have an exchange of views with on matters of common interest and concern between Ireland and the United States.  I am also looking forward to meeting with members of the Irish business community in the Washington, DC area.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs added that the meetings will "provide an opportunity for the Minister to convey the Government’s concern in regard to the recent announcements by the US Administration which impact on undocumented Irish citizens in the US and, more widely, on citizens of certain designated States".


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