Undocumented Irish in the USA

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 April 2017

Tuesday, 11 April 2017

Questions (428)

Micheál Martin

Question:

428. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on comments made by the Boston mayor during St Patrick's Day festivities in the USA on the undocumented Irish. [15141/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

While I am aware of the comments made by the Mayor of Boston calling for comprehensive legislation to provide clarity to all immigrants in the US, it remains the responsibility of the Government to seek to advance the case of the estimated 50,000 undocumented Irish.

In this context the Government and our Ambassador and diplomatic representatives in the US will continue to seek opportunities to make the US Administration and members of Congress aware of the importance of this issue for Ireland.