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Undocumented Irish in the USA

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2019

Tuesday, 29 January 2019

Ceisteanna (57)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

57. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made to find a solution to the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3975/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach and I have prioritised the immigration issue in the US since taking office. We will continue our efforts in this regard until we secure progress – both in terms of future legal immigration opportunities for Irish citizens; and in securing a pathway for those Irish who are undocumented in order to regularise their status. 

Special Envoy to the US Congress on the Undocumented, John Deasy, T.D., has worked closely on these issues with my Department, and with Ireland's Ambassador to the US, Dan Mulhall, and his team at the Embassy in Washington DC in particular, since his appointment.  

Building on this work, I look forward to visiting the US in early February, for a series of engagements with the US Administration and Congressional leaders on a full range of issues of mutual interest.  I will raise immigration issues in these meetings, as I have done in all my interactions with the US Administration and US political leaders since taking office. 

Additionally, I expect that the Taoiseach will have a range of engagements at the highest levels of the US Administration and with Congressional leaders over the St Patrick's Day period.

My Department, including through our Embassy and Consulates in the US, work alongside the Irish Immigration Centres across the US to provide support to those Irish who are undocumented on an ongoing basis. Each Irish Centre receives significant Government funding through the Emigrant Support Programme each year for its work, including support for vulnerable Irish and the undocumented. In 2018, over €3 million was allocated to 76 organisations across the US, including the Irish Centres.

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