Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
280. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the meetings she had or actions she took during her recent two day visit to the United States from 4 to 6 February 2026 to address the status of Irish citizens either detained by ICE or scheduled for deportation; if she sought any meetings with US officials on these matters; who those officials were; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12507/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring my visit to Washington D.C. earlier this month, I undertook a range of political, economic and community engagements aimed at further strengthening Ireland's close relationship with the United States.
In my engagements with Members of Congress, we discussed U.S. immigration policy and its impact on Irish communities. We also discussed the prospects for immigration reform which could assist, inter alia, the undocumented Irish.
Addressing the situation of undocumented Irish and working to secure legal pathways for Irish people seeking to live and work in the U.S. continue to be important for the Government. However, the challenges in advancing such proposals should not be underestimated.
The provision of consular assistance to Irish citizens who get into difficulty abroad is a cornerstone of the work of my Department. My officials, including in our Embassy in D.C. and in our Consulates across the U.S., place a strong emphasis on ensuring Irish citizens receive timely and empathetic consular assistance. This work is led by DFAT officials in the US, including our Ambassador and Consuls General, who engage with U.S. immigration and homeland security authorities on an ongoing basis.
Where a citizen does request consular assistance, whether that is in the United States of America or elsewhere, my officials provide all possible assistance in accordance with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter. Further information on the type of assistance my Department can provide in deportation cases and other cases categories can be found at the following link: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/assistance-abroad/.
