Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025
181. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Irish Embassy to the United States of America had any engagement with the Trump Administration on Conor McGregor’s recent visit to the White House for Saint Patrick’s Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13605/25]
View answerThe Taoiseach visited the White House, at the invitation of President Trump, as part of his official St. Patrick’s Day programme in the United States. This was part of a wider St. Patrick's Day diplomatic engagement across the US, which encompassed 9 Government Ministers visiting 15 States different states, including my own engagements in Philadelphia and New York.
In respect of Conor McGregor's visit, decisions on who President Trump meets is clearly a matter for the US administration and the President himself. Any government can of course invite whomever they wish to meetings or engagements in their own premises.
As I have already set out clearly, Conor McGregor has no mandate to speak for Ireland or for the Irish people. He does not speak to the values of Ireland, including those of inclusivity, openness, compassion and respect, nor does he represent the Irish people.
I can confirm that neither the Irish Government or Irish Embassy had any engagement in relation to the visit by Mr. McGregor to the White House.
