Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 April 2017
170. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to have further discussions with the United States authorities on immigration reform, in view of the concerns of the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19086/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government and Ireland’s diplomatic representatives in the United States of America continue to actively monitor the situation of the undocumented Irish in the United States. We also systematically avail of opportunities to raise their situation with the US Government and Congressional representatives, pressing our case that a solution to their plight will be found.
I raised these issues during my meetings with senior members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and representatives of the new Administration when I visited Washington DC in January and early February. In these discussions (which included Speaker Ryan and other Congressional leaders), I emphasised that the Government’s objectives remain constant: relief for the undocumented and finding greater pathways for legal migration to the United States.
An Taoiseach subsequently used the opportunity of his meetings with President Trump, Vice-President Trump, Speaker Ryan and other senior US leaders during the St. Patrick’s Day events in Washington DC to raise immigration-related issues and to convey the continuing importance which we attach to them.
Minister of State Joe McHugh was also very active on these issues during his recent visit to New York where he met a number of emigrant support groups who are directly involved in supporting the undocumented and heard their perspectives on recent developments.
In addition to these contacts at political level, the Embassy in Washington and our Consulates across the United States continue to work with Irish immigration centres on a daily basis in providing support to Irish citizens in the United States.
Our Embassy in Washington DC remains in ongoing contact with key immigration stake-holders within the Irish community across the US. The Government and my Department are committed to providing practical support to undocumented Irish citizens in the US, while also continuing to advocate for immigration reform.
The Government will continue to avail of opportunities to raise these important issues in our contacts with the US and to seek relief for undocumented Irish citizens.
