I propose to take Questions Nos. 299, 300 and 306 to 308, inclusive, together.
The Deputy can be assured that the Government's concern for the undocumented Irish people in the United States is raised on an ongoing basis in our bilateral contacts with the US authorities, including when the Taoiseach and my predecessor met with President Bush at the EU-US summit in Dromoland in June 2004. I welcome the various proposals on immigration reform, which have been made by President Bush and members of Congress. These initiatives reflect an awareness of the importance of addressing the situation of the undocumented in the USA in a constructive and sympathetic way. The US Congress will, of course, have to give consideration to these proposals and, realistically, it is very unlikely there will be any movement until after the Presidential inauguration in the new year.
The number of Irish citizens who may be resident in the United States without the appropriate authorisation is difficult to estimate. While the United States citizenship and immigration services have estimated that the number may have declined to 3,000 in the year 2000, many of the agencies working with our emigrants regard this figure as a very low estimate indeed. Figures published by the US citizenship and immigration services report that 15,056 permanent resident cards, known widely as green cards, were issued to Irish people between 1995 and 2003. Figures for 2004 have not yet been published. A summary follows of the number of cards, which issued in each year. I stress that the Government's commitment to support efforts, which improve the circumstances of vulnerable Irish living in the USA is strong and growing. Our embassy and network of consulates in the USA work closely with voluntary Irish organisations there, which provide invaluable assistance and support to vulnerable Irish people. Since 1997, the Government has allocated some $2.9 million to these organisations. This year they received an allocation of $607,000, which represented an increase of 70% on last year. A summary follows of the grants made in each year since 1997.
I assure the Deputy that through the ongoing efforts of our embassy and my own contacts and those of my Cabinet colleagues with political leaders in the USA, I will continue to encourage and support all measures that benefit Irish citizens in that country.
Permanent Resident Cards issued to Irish Citizens, 1995-2003.
Year
|
Number
|
1995
|
5,315
|
1996
|
1,731
|
1997
|
1,001
|
1998
|
944
|
1999
|
812
|
2000
|
1,315
|
2001
|
1,522
|
2002
|
1,425
|
2003
|
991
|
Government Funding to Irish immigration centres in the United States.
Year
|
$
|
1997
|
253,300
|
1998
|
253,300
|
1999
|
300,000
|
2000
|
300,000
|
2001
|
600,000*
|
2002
|
300,000
|
2003
|
356,000
|
2004
|
607,000
|
*Includes $300,000 additional funding to those Irish organisations engaged in welfare services arising from terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.