Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will do that.

On immigration reform, I know the Chairman had active engagement when he visited the United States during the summer. Now that the elections have taken place the situation is such that if there is an initiative it is most likely it will be by way of Executive action on the part of the President. I visited Washington in September and had a conversation with the White House Chief of Staff, Denis McDonough, among others. I mentioned the issue to the Secretary of State, John Kerry, and stressed the importance, as I know the Chairman did, of addressing the needs and concerns of the undocumented Irish migrants in any such Executive action, with particular reference to the right to travel. I can reassure the committee that our team in Washington, through the good offices of our ambassador, Anne Anderson, is actively involved and engaged and we are doing all we can to ensure that we can influence this issue, having regard to the limits on what administrative action is likely to be able to do. I welcome the support of all members of the committee in that regard. Obviously, the recent elections will influence the timing and nature of whatever executive action the President may have in mind.

I thank Senator Norris and Deputy O'Sullivan for raising the issue of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP. There is not any secrecy about it. I would be concerned if elected Members of the Irish Parliament were to form the view that there is some secrecy involved. I urge that the matter be raised at parliamentary level if people have concerns. I have been in touch with my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, who is the lead Minister in this regard. I have a copy of the letter to which Senator Norris made reference. I would stress opportunities for trade, employment and further economic growth. Notwithstanding that, it is important that the process be open and transparent. Dáil questions have been tabled on the matter and I have no doubt-----