Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005
362 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts which have been made over the past six months with members of the US Senate and US Congress on the issue of undocumented Irish persons in the United States; and if representatives of the Government have met the chairman of the congressional commission dealing with immigration matters. [20969/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI particularly appreciate the Deputy's interest in the immigration issue in Washington. That issue, and particularly the question of our undocumented people, has the highest priority for the Government.
In addition to the ongoing work of the Irish Embassy and the consulates in sensitising opinion in the US Congress to our concerns, the Government misses no opportunity to raise the matter in personal contacts with senior US politicians. The Taoiseach and I discussed the issue with President Bush in the White House on St. Patrick's Day. I raised the matter also with senior Senators and Congressmen during my visit to Washington in February.
Among those I met then were Senators Kennedy and McCain, who, as the Deputy will be aware, introduced a comprehensive immigration reform Bill on 12 May. The Government has warmly welcomed this draft Bill and regards it as a positive contribution to the debate on immigration reform which, since the tragic events of 11 September 2001, has become an increasingly sensitive and divisive issue in the US. I also met at the time Congressman Sensenbrenner, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, under whose remit immigration matters fall.
Our ambassador to Washington and his officials maintain frequent and ongoing contacts with the major congressional figures involved in immigration reform and with their aides, and monitor closely all developments regarding reform legislation. These contacts, which will be intensified even further in the period ahead, include the offices of Congressman Sensenbrenner and Congressman Hostetler, chairman of the House Sub-Committee on Immigration. The embassy's particular priority in the period immediately ahead will be to lobby strongly in support of the Kennedy-McCain Bill and to encourage the White House to become actively involved in support of the reform process.
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs recently visited Washington as part of a visit to the US in connection with the issue of undocumented persons and used the occasion to make known to Congressmen the concerns across the political spectrum here on the matter.
