Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to comment on immigration reform. I had a number of meetings in Washington and I shall mention my meeting with the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Mr. Paul Ryan. For many years he has been familiar with the undocumented Irish and I acknowledge his support.

It is early days for the new Administration in the United States and we cannot say for certain what the programme of work will be for the coming year. I can tell members that Mr. Paul Ryan said to me, having regard to his influential position as Speaker, that he expects that the undocumented will be tabled on the agenda in the latter half of this year. I agree with Deputy O'Brien that it is early days for the US Administration. I felt that it was important for me to avail of an early opportunity in the life of the Administration to speak to figures who will play an important role. We will keep in contact with the US Administration at the highest level. I cite the Taoiseach's visit for St. Patrick's Day and note the opposing commentary on same. It is important that the Taoiseach avails of every opportunity, as do all Ministers, as well as members, including this committee, to contact people who we believe will be in a position to advocate, assist and help resolve this issue that has lasted for a number of decades. I am happy to keep the committee fully informed about the matter. I note that individual members, as well as this committee collectively, will have an opportunity to continue what is a very important engagement.

Irish people who have lived in the United States for many years are stakeholders in the United States on the basis that they pay their taxes, raise their families and engage in business, commerce and trade. While they are an integral part of US society and contribute to the US economy, their papers are such as to give rise to very serious concerns on their part as to their status and future. It is important that the situation is fully recognised in the context of whatever legislative changes are brought forward. The indications are that this may happen this year.

Deputy O'Brien raised two specific issues about budgets and staffing. Over the coming months in excess of 230 temporary clerical officers will be recruited for the Passport Office. Many of them will have previously worked in the Passport Office, which is important in the context of training and efficiencies. That is the expectation but the situation is always under review.

On the matter of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, members will be aware of the reconfigured nature of Departments internally. I refer to both the Department of the Taoiseach and my Department. We now have a dedicated Brexit unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and we have managed to increase our footprint in the form of personnel, particularly in our PermRep in Brussels. Consideration is being given to embassies in London, Paris and Berlin. On the matter of London, I acknowledge the increased presence on the ground of agencies such as IDA Ireland and our embassy to ensure we maximise opportunities that may arise on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

It is fair to say we have all been concentrating on the adverse impact and the negatives. I do not envisage much of an upside for anybody on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. I said that during the course of the campaign and since the referendum. I respect fully the wishes of the British people as expressed in the referendum. It could well be, in the context of the withdrawal, that there will be an opportunity for Ireland, especially in financial services and related areas. We have augmented our agency staff to ensure we are prepared for these opportunities as they arise. More than 600 people attended a very successful financial services day or seminar in Dublin Castle recently. It was addressed by the Taoiseach and Minister of State, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, who has been particularly active in this regard.