Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 March 2023
238. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of any recent discussions he had with the United States authorities regarding the need to regularise the status of the undocumented Irish and have an appropriate visa programme put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14556/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra240. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to the United States and the efforts he made to regularise the status of the undocumented Irish living there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14580/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 240 together.
Addressing the status of undocumented Irish citizens in the United States is a priority for the Government, a key issue in ongoing engagements with the Administration and political leaders in the United States.
In their meeting in the White House on St. Patrick's Day, the Taoiseach raised immigration matters directly with President Biden. He also discussed immigration during his Congressional meetings, including with Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy.
When I visited Washington DC last month, I had extensive discussions on immigration, including possible visa pathways, in my meetings with members of Congress.
Ireland's Embassy in Washington DC and our network of Consulates General across the United States continue to monitor the situation closely and to engage with U.S. officials on immigration issues. They work actively with organisations, such as the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers, which provide assistance and information to Irish citizens living in the U.S., including those who are undocumented. The Embassy and Consulates-General also ensure that Emigrant Support Programme funding is allocated to these organisations, with over €4.2 million in ESP funding disbursed in the U.S. in 2022-23 period.
The Embassy and Consulates-General also continue to seek ways to improve the day-to-day lives of undocumented Irish citizens, working to address on practical issues such as securing driving licences, accessing free legal advice, and securing heath care.
Last week, during my St. Patrick's Day visit to New York and Massachusetts, I visited the New York Irish Center and Solace House in New York as well as the Irish Pastoral Centre in Boston, where I had the opportunity to hear first-hand about the vital services and support provided to the Irish diaspora, including undocumented Irish citizens, by ESP partners in the United States.
Also last week, I discussed ongoing efforts in Congress to secure legal immigration pathways with Congressman Richie Neal, whom I met at the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, which is another ESP partner. Representative Neal is co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland, and has been a steadfast advocate for the undocumented Irish over the years.
