I propose to take Questions Nos. 171, 172 and 179 together.
The welfare of the Irish abroad in general and especially the position of undocumented Irish immigrants in the United States remains an important priority for the Government. A resolution of the situation for undocumented Irish immigrants will continue to be pursued by the Government in our ongoing contacts with the US Administration and Congress. During our visit to Washington this week, the Taoiseach and I discussed the latest prospects for progress with President Obama, Senators McCain, Leahy and Schumer. The matter also featured prominently during my meeting with Secretary of State Kerry and with Senator Isakson.
The advice of Ireland’s friends and contacts within the US Administration and Congress has long been that comprehensive reform of the US immigration system and procedures is likely to be the only manner by which a resolution for our undocumented can be achieved. The prospects for such reform would appear to have advanced in the wake of President Obama’s re-election. The emphasis he placed on immigration reform in his inauguration address as well as his subsequent speech on the issue on 29 January and his State of the Union address on 12 February sent a very positive signal in this regard. The indications of emerging bipartisan support for reform in Congress is also encouraging.
Through our Embassy in Washington and in close liaison with Irish-American community representatives, our contacts with the US Administration and Congress continue with a view to ensuring that the interests and concerns of undocumented Irish immigrants are captured in any future legislative deal in this area that emerges. In addition to the meetings in the US this week, I raised the issue with then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during our bilateral meeting on 6 December last and recalled our strong support for comprehensive immigration legislation and the passage of E3 visas for Irish citizens. I spoke with Senator John McCain on 8 February last to express the Government’s appreciation for the efforts he and others are making in developing bipartisan Senate proposals and to underline our ongoing interest in the issue. I also spoke with Senator Patrick Leahy on 25 February and met with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand during her recent visit to Dublin on 8 March.
Much further debate and discussion is likely to be required within the US political system as to what any future legislative deal might comprise. It is therefore not possible at this stage to identify an exact timescale in which these may become clear but the area will continue to receive the Government’s close attention over the period ahead.
