Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2017
24. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the situation of the undocumented Irish in the United States of America; the detail of the recent meetings held by the special envoy appointed by the Government to the United States of America and other recent Government efforts to find a resolution to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48315/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Government’s objectives regarding undocumented Irish citizens in the United States remain constant, namely, to achieve relief for the undocumented and to facilitate greater pathways for legal migration to the United States.
With this in mind, Ireland’s diplomatic representatives in the U.S. are continuing to systematically avail of all opportunities to raise the immigration issue in their contacts with the US authorities, including the prospects for immigration reform and the situation of the undocumented.
We do not, however, underestimate the size of the challenge.
This policy area has been a deeply divisive issue within the US political system for decades, with pronounced disagreement, even within the same political parties, on the best way to deal with an issue which directly affects over 11 million people.
The Government has consistently engaged with both parties in a bipartisan way to address our longstanding concerns and this continues to be our approach.
I was able to emphasise the Government’s commitment to this issue when I travelled to Washington DC from 3 to 5 October and met with senior members of the US administration and with members of Congress, including the Congressional Friends of Ireland Group.
I was pleased that Deputy John Deasy, the Government’s Special Envoy to the US Congress on the Undocumented, who was appointed by the Taoiseach to that position last June, was able to accompany me to those meetings. His appointment was another important statement of our intent and seriousness on this issue.
Deputy Deasy has travelled to Washington D.C three times since his appointment in June. On all three occasions, in July, September, and October, he has met with key interlocutors in Congress system, and the US Administration, to explore avenues for relief of the undocumented. This relief can only come through legislative proposals, which, in the current US political climate, remain sensitive and uncertain. Nevertheless, Deputy Deasy, in conjunction with ongoing engagement from our Embassy in Washington, continues to explore the available options, and sensitise the US Administration and Congress to the importance this Government places on the issue. The Deputy will appreciate the need for confidentiality around the detail of Deputy Deasy’s meetings, given the subject matter.
The Government remains wholly committed to working with the US authorities to resolve the plight of the undocumented Irish. The Government will continue to articulate to the US authorities our keen interest in this area while respecting the right of the United States to set its own immigration policies.
I can assure the Deputy of the Government’s continued commitment to pursuing these matters on behalf of our affected citizens in the US, and our continued openness to routes and policies that will provide relief for the undocumented.
