Prime minister spoke today. They discussed irelands relationship with the u. S. And the 2016 president ial race. This is half an hour. Thank you all very much. I want to welcome everyone to the capitol today. Ive been going to the lunch for many years. Thank you for honoring us with your presence. Ive always been very proud of our own familys irish roots. My family comes from a town there. My wife and i, we took our kids there last year to show them our irish hillael heritage and our. We went to a homestead which is still being farmed by our cousins today. We looked into all of our roots. We even looked into my wifes irish roots. My wife comes from the Butler Family. The Butler Family lived in a castle. My family were the ryans were the who served the people in the castle. Its kind of funny how history repeats itself. I told my wife that. She said, yes, it is, and i dont mind repeating it. Im also glad to welcome these two special guests. Thank you for being with us today. One of these gentlemen say le leader of a great nation. The other is the Prime Minister of ireland. You might not know this. But the president like me is of irish dissent. He mentioned it every year at this lunch. Yet for all the irish blood between us, we dont seem to have the luck that should go with it. I was astonished to learn the Irish Economy grew by 7 last year. I asked the Prime Minister, what is your secret . Clearly lower taxes, better policies. He said, no. Better guinness. Its true. The guinness does taste better over there. I dont know what it is. We got to swapping stories. As i told him when we visited last year, we had a wonderful visit. When we went there, we walked through a graveyard where our ancestors were buried. We saw the abby where our ancestors got married. As we were working through the graveyard, we came across the headstone with the inskripcript here lies a politician and an honest man. My youngest said, how do they have two people in the grave . Dozens of the people from the town, which is on river, came out. My cousin, he tied things up at the farm after showing us the farm and each of us took a rock to take home to have on our mantle at home. By the time he got to the town center where we had this great event, he couldnt find a parking spot. He was riding all around looking for a space. Finally out of frustration he said, lord, please, open up a spot for me so i can get to this event. I will give up whiskey and go to church every sunday. Then the clouds opened. The sun opened up. In front of him was a parking spot. He said, never mind, lord, i found one myself. If i could just be serious for a moment. I would say that the irish have been long known as great storytellers. I dont think its an accident that some of our best president s have been as well. Storytelling is an act of defiance. Its a way of pushing back against the boredom, the tedium, the tragedy of life. Its how lincoln fought off his sadness. Its how Ronald Reagan chased away his loneliness. Perhaps its filting that kennedy, our first Irish Catholic president was known for his sense of irony. It requires a kind of detachment, a cleareyed view of the world to stare into the rush of events and sort of see the joy of life. It seems to me what sharpened the irish peoples keen sense of humor was many, many years of hardship. Irish jokes, of course, are based on irish stereotypes. These are stereotypes i frequently heard about from my own elders growing up. They were not always in good fun. But the irish, the irish did not reject them. The irish embraced them. They took what was meant to be a badge of shame and they turned it into a badge of honor. It was a brilliant turn, a defiant one. The irish are not the only people who have done this. Our country is full of them. The irish did it with such genius, with such stamina, such undeniable dignity that they will always have our admiration. There will always be a special kinship between our two countries. That is why we are here today. That is why Ronald Reagan and tip oneill kicked this off many years ago, to show that admiration and celebrate this kinship. Its an act of defiance to poke fun at your opponents and then to break bread with them. Its going against all odds to work with them, to joke with them and to pray with them. So i would like to raise a taste to both of our countries. May we continue to grow in friendship, and may the people of ireland forever stand proud, defiant and free. Thank you. Now, it is my honor to introduce to you the president of the United States. [ applause ] thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you, everybody. Please, have a seat. Thank you. Speaker ryan, members of congress, thank you so much for having me here today. Leaders of ireland and Northern Ireland and the united kingdom, honored guests, its always a privilege to join you for this wonderful st. Patricks day celebration. And with names like obama, biden, ryan and mcconnell, you can rest assured that the old stro strangle hold on washington is as strong as ever. Its true that its not technically st. Patricks day, but thats okay. Most folks who celebrate it arent irish either. I can talk about them, because i am irish as i have been prone to mention on this occasion. Back in 2008, the corrigan brothers penned a song called theres no one as irish as barak obama. This is true. As the lyrics go from kerry to cork, lets hear it for barak. From old montegal. Somehow that line did not result in cries for my birth certificate on the campaign trail. Now, to paraphrase something president reagan said. On st. Patricks day, you should sp spend the day with saints and scholars. We have two more stops to make after this. I want to thank speaker ryan for continuing this tradition. Its a Welcome Break from politics as usual. A moment when we all trade in our red and power blue ties for our green ones. I always imagine everyone leaving marveling at how cheerful and bipartisan washington is. While i may not possess the power of saint patrick, i hope the phospitality extended here s similarly extended to my nominee of the Supreme Court when he or she arrives. There are two things at least on which democrats and republicans in america, big heartedly agree. One is that we take seriously our responsibility to be good to irelands sons and daughters, because so many of us are irelands sons and daughters. The other is that we strongly support a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland. And america will always remain a partner in that process. But even if it is an election year, i think the spirit of this day is something worth aspiring to all year round. I hope that you will forgive me, indulge me for one second as i comment on our domestic politics for a moment. In my state of the Union Address i remarked that many of you have told me you would like to see more cooperation and a more elevated debate in washington. But everyone sometimes feels trapped by their politics. I understand that feeling. I served with many of you in congress. So i know that im not the only one in this room who may be more than a little dismayed about whats happening on the campaign trail lately. We have heard vulgar and divisive rhetoric aimed and women and minorities, at americans who dont look like us or pray like us or vote like we do. We have seen misguided attempts to shut down that speech however offensive it may be. We live in a country where free speech is one of the most important rights that we hold. In response to those attempts, we have seen actual violence. And we have heard silence from too many of our leaders. Speaker ryan, i appreciated the words on this topic that you shared with us this morning. But too often, we have accepted this as somehow the new normal. And its worth asking ourselves what each of you may have done to contribute to this kind of vicious atmosphere in our politics. I suspect that all of us can recall some words that we regret. Certainly, i can. And while some may be more to blame than others for the current climate, all of us are responsible for reversing it. For it is a cycle that is not an accurate reflection of america. And it has to stop. And i say that not because its a matter of political correctness. Its about the way the core row recei corr corrosive behavior can undermine. There arent laws that say we have to be nice or treat each other with respects. But there are values that we try to teach to our children. To try to treat others the way we want to be treated. The notion that kindness breeds kindness. The longer that we allow the political rhetoric of late to continue and the longer that we tacitly accept it, we create a permission structure that allows the animosity in one corner of our politics to infect our broader society. Animosity breeds animosity. This is also about the american brand. Who are we . How are we perceived around the world . Theres a reason that america has always attracted the greatest talent from every corner of the globe. Theres a reason that made in america means something. Its because were creative and dynamic and diverse and inclusive and open. Why would we want to see that brand tarnished . The world pays attention to what we say and what we do. And this is also about what we are teaching our children. We should not have to explain to them this darker side of politics. We should not be afraid to take them to a political rally or let them watch political debates. We should be teaching them that this democracy is a vibrant and precious thing. And its going to be theirs some day. We want them to elevate it. I had the cast of hamilton at the white house yesterday who were doing an incredible job getting our young people excited about the possibilities of democracy and the power they had to play a part in it. These young people drawn from every race and every background, from all across the city, could you just see the excitement that they had, the notion that they were somehow connected to the story of hamilton or a washington or a franklin or a madison. So we should be asking ourselves as those in power, with this incredible legacy, whether we are delivering that same message to our children. Are we making them excited about being citizens of this great country . So when we leave this lunch, i think we have a choice. We can condone this race to the bottom, or accept it as the way things are and sink further. Or we are reject this kind of behavior, whether we see it in the other party or more importantly when we see it in our own party. And set a better example for our children and the rest of the country to follow. It starts with us. Speaker ryan, you and i dont agree on a lot of policy. But i know you are a great father and a great husband. And i know you want whats best for america. And we may fiercely disagree on policy and the nfc north, but i dont have a bad word to say about you as a man. And i would never insult my fellow irish like that. The point is, we can have political debates without turning on one another. We can disagree without assuming that its motivated by malice. There are those who have fought long and hard to create peace in Northern Ireland and understand what happens when we start going into these dark places. The damage that can be done and how long it can take to unwind. So we can treat one another as patriots even if we disagree. As fellow americans who love this country equally, because its a place that frees us to have different ideas and different points of view. I reject any effort to spread fear or encourage violence or to shut people down when theyre trying to speak or turn americans against one another. And i think as a citizen who will still be leading this office, i will not support somebody who practices that kind of politics. And any leader worthy of our support will remind us that even in a country as big and diverse, as inclusive as ours, what we have in common is far bigger and more important than any of our differences. Thats what carried us through other times that were far more tough and far more dangerous than the one were in today. Times where we were told to fear the future. Times where we were told to turn inward and to turn against each other. Each time we overcame those fees, fee fears. We do this because we are america. The place that sees opportunity where others see peril and that drew so much irish and other ingri immigrants to our shores. Our belief that we make our own destiny and our dream that if we work hard and live up to our responsibilities and look out for one another, then theres a better day lying around the bend. That dream has always come true in america. It is what provided hope and comfort and opportunity for so many that traveled across the atlantic. It always will. So long as we nurture it. Happy st. Patricks day, everybody. Let me make a toast to all the leaders gathered here, thank you, make god bless you and may he continue to bless this great country that we love. [ applause ] thank you, mr. President. Now it is my honer or to introd the Prime Minister of ireland. [ applause ] mr. Speaker, mr. President , mr. Vice president , members of congress, friends of ireland, distinguished guests, we would like to thank you again for the honor and privilege of being here in this historic room at this historic time. Thank you for the profoundty of your words, mr. President. Let me say that its i think you two people should know that montegal is not that far from we have had meetings before in houses at the halfway point. People shake hands and say we agree. In respect to the president s comments it reminds me of president kennedy, that this is a time of leadership and not showmanship. So maybe we might get together somewhere, if time was appropriate, have a little get together and say, well, we sort it out. I would like to say that its a pleasure to be back with so many of you just before the Cherry Blossom festival and the actual day of st. Patricks day. In the presence of so many of you here in the room speaks for itself for the continuity of what was begun so many years ago. Let me congratulate you, paul, on your appointment as speaker of the house. This is a really challenging position in a challenging time politically. Both here and internationally. The world has always looked to america to lead. Its not good when we find a situation where that doesnt apply. So you with your experience and your longstanding friendship with ireland is somebody we can be proud of taking on a really challenging role in american politics but also with profound affects internationally. I wish you the very best of luck in that. [ applause ] i might say that obviously the relationship between our two countries is as vibrant and strong as ever. The line of investment both ways is unprecedented. Irish companies now employ 100,000 people across 50 states in the United States. Thats very different from the situation that applied for a century and a half where migration was one way. Emigration meant that the remittance back to ireland kept people alive essentially until such time as we have come to a point where we can employ and contribute to the Great American society and the greater commerce of the world. Obviously, our trading links are such that we want to develop that in the time ahead. Clearly, the biggest in ireland of 1,000 multinationals with many from the United States have given an opportunity for young irish people to give vent to their imaginative qualities of creativity and engenuity, of being able to meet the bar however high the challenge is. Were very proud of that association and its having an impact on our young people with their opportunity to give of their best. Brian mcman used to say the person in front of the class actually has a challenge and that is to find the gift or the flower that every person has got. How do you find it . How do you appreciate it . How do you nurture it . Given the state of communications and volume of material thats currently available for every student, teachers have been directors and counselors and finders and appreciate where the talent and the flare lies that will meet the challenge of the time ahead. I would like to thank you, speaker and mr. President , for your support for Northern Ireland. Gary heart did a fabulous job in terms of his influence in putting together the conditions that apply for the fresh start to become a fact. Im glad to see peter king and the other friends of ireland have contributed to that. I know you are going over later for some commemorative celebrations. Recognize the secretary of state and the Deputy Foreign ministries. Recognize the leader of the Sinn Fein Party as well. Clearly, this is a situation that is one that is so precious to us and so near to us that it means that weve got to mind a fragile piece carefully. I was saddened to learn of the death of the officer of the Northern Ireland prison service. I would like to express our sympathy to his wife at this dreadful time. He died after having been discharged from hospital after a bomb was placed under his vehicle on friday the 4th of march. Lets just say this was a callous and cowardly attack on community. Thats why in the words of the president , its really important that we focus on peace continuity and reject those who wish to return to days of violence and in the dark days when these attacks were common place. That agenda will not succeed. We best honor his memory be redoubling our efforts to build a truly peaceful future for all the people of Northern Ireland which im sure is your wish also. George mitchell in his time made a remarkable impact on as an Irish American with a real interest in seeing that peace was put together. Im glad to see that hes the grand marshal of the new york parade this year. Thats a recognition of the wonderful part that he played over those years. As you know, John Boehner Paul did all of this for the last number of years. He used to say when he would speak, im going to get rolled about immigration today. So i might as well mention it now. That has now passed on to you. Look out. I commend president obama for what he did in terms of the executive authority he has. There are matters of court there. This is an issue for us, paul, as you are aware. As an Irish American, what were going do is get all of those who have emigrated from the 20 mile radius and send them down here to you so you will see them. We want them to be documented and we want them to where they now live as law abiding citizens and we want them to be able to participate fully in american society. [ applause ] its a situation that ive often referred to in the words of the American National anthem, the land of the free and the home of the brave. Thats where they want to be able to contribute. Because of i suppose politics and the broader scale, not just the irish, this is an issue that needs to be dealt with. We have similar problems now with migration on a vast scale coming into europe. This is causing political challenges for many countries. As i say, its a case of leadership at the end of the day being able to bring about result here. So you know yourselves the contribution that has been made by irish over the centuries to the United States. And the success of the recent film brooklyn based on the novel showed how strongly the x emigrant experience continues to resonate. There were nine nominations from ireland which speaks of the creativity that our young people have. As a small irish nation, obviously, those who have traveled and those here in the United States want to be part of the Greater Community in full legitimacy, whether it be boston, chicago, san francisco, pittsburgh, pennsylvania, toronto or wherever. They come to america they like do that. Other countries, australia and britain and europe in the same way. This year as you know marks the 100th anniversary of the rising which set the country on a path that ultimately led to economic and political independent. This could not have happened without the support of the United States of america. The proclamation which was read outside the post office in 1916 speaks specifically of the support of ours called it our exiled children in america. Those exiled children, many of them their descendents are here in this room, provided the crucial support to ensure that irish independents for so long a dream finally became a reality. I want you to understand that we want this to be a very inclusive, comprehensive, sensitive experience for everybody. In that sense, the program that has been put out has been couched in that manner. To take into account the contribution of the involvement of everybody, irrespective of their religion, their creed, their politics or where they came from. So in that sense, the commemorative events are for everybody, for the entire country. So im especially pleased to learn about the commemorative events planned for here in the congress, paul. I know that at the Kennedy Center in may theres a threeweek opportunity to learn the poetry of ireland, the songs and music of ireland. If you want to participate, you will be more than welcome. I understand here in the u. S. There will be the ireland 100, which takes place over that period. Let me say finally, i know that i think on the grounds of the Capitol Building here, there will be the planting of an oak tree. You plant it or whoever plants it, its a privilege that it should grow here. Its an irish oak. My hope would that that as we start the journey of the second 100 years, that when that tree is 100 years old, and it stands proudly here in the vicinity of the Capitol Building, it has grown tall and straight into the light and that it represents our country and the pride that we feel in being here in america, in this building, which was partially constructed under the engineering engenuity of james hoben who designed the white house. An irish architect designed that for you. I hope the tree represents a symbol of continuity and that it reflects the best of what it is of truth and courage and our common humanity. Thats what we need to be. Thats where politics can bring us. Thank you very much. [ applause ] tomorrow on cspan3, live coverage of the House Budget Committee working on the 2017 federal budget. They will begin 10 00 a. M. Eastern and are expected to continue late into the night. Watch that session live here on cspan3 and on our website. Join American History tv on cspan3, saturday for live allday coverage of a lincoln symposium from fords theater. Starting at 9 00 a. M. , speakers include sidney blumenthal. Author edna greene medford, lewis p. Masur, stacy pratt and terry alford. The abram bham lincoln symposiu. Officials from the state department and the department of Homeland Security testified at a Senate Hearing on the security of the u. S. Visa program. They talked about how interviews and background checks are conducted and the vetting of asylum seekers. This hearing of the senate Homeland Security committee is an hour 45 minutes. Good morning. This hearing will come to order. I want to first of all thank the witnesses for your time and your testimony. And appearing here before us
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