Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is good to hear the meeting went well and that the group seems to be making progress, with Deputy Seán Crowe being up-beat and optimistic. It is concerning that the political cycle is so short in the United States as one is always heading into an election of some description. Earlier I heard the Irish wee the only grouping for the undocumented lobbying on the issue. It would be a help if other groupings were lobbying because this could bring more pressure on the politicians. It is incumbent on all Members to make contact with their relevant US counterparts on this issue and push for immigration reform legislation. Many families have loved ones who are not in a position to return home for family occasions, be they weddings or funerals. As Deputy Brendan Smith said, there is nothing on the table for people to either argue for or against.