Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
290. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the diplomatic measures she has taken to support those in the US affected by ICE deportation agents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12798/26]
View answerProviding consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad is a cornerstone of the work of my department. Ensuring our citizens receive timely and empathetic support from our Embassies and Consulates worldwide is a priority for me in my role as Minister.
This of course includes Irish citizens seeking consular assistance in the United States, including when detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other authorities, and where citizens are facing deportation from the U.S.
In all cases of consular assistance, assistance is provided at the request of the citizen. It involves consular officials in our Embassy and/or Consulates in the United States, who engage extensively with local, State level and and national authorities in respect of the particular circumstances of each individual case. Our engagement is based on DFAT's Consular Charter .
We also engage at political level on the policy issues affecting Irish citizens. I recently visited Washington D.C. where I undertook engagements with Members of Congress and representatives of the Administration. Among the issues I discussed was immigration. Addressing the situation faced by the undocumented Irish and working to secure legal pathways for Irish people seeking to live and work in the US continues to be important for the Government.
