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

I do not see any other members offering. I will revert to Ms Leonard Dibra. As I do, I will put a couple of issues to the witnesses, acknowledging the great work the coalition of centres does and all the centres do daily, servicing a most important need. Mr. Stahl in one of his replies touched on the fact that the centres are dealing now with perhaps more issues than just Irish issues, with particular reference to campaigns on racial justice. I am not sure to what extent Ms Leonard Dibra will be in a position to share with us her thoughts on the broadening of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres over the years, acknowledging the tremendous work over decades. As for 2021 and dealing with issues that are perhaps no longer exclusively Irish issues, I will address myself specifically to Mr. Staunton, acknowledging his work as the chair of Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform over a long number of years, taking a position of great leadership. Is he more optimistic now than on the last few occasions on which we spoke about finally achieving clear pathways to residency if not pathways to citizenship? I refer to the draft bill as published by President Biden earlier in the year and the extent to which Mr. Staunton sees a collaborative approach towards amendments that might be of benefit to our people, with particular reference to timeframe. How does he see that working out, having regard to the fact that he said he does not see any immediacy or any date on which the Bill might be submitted for debate or formally? I acknowledge the Taoiseach's discussions with President Biden on St. Patrick's Day on prioritising the legislation and, more particularly, the discussions the Taoiseach had over the St. Patrick's weekend on the E3 visa Bill with Speaker Pelosi. Has Mr. Staunton been in a position to follow up with Dan Mulhall, our ambassador, or other contacts he may have on the Hill? My question, really, is how optimistic Mr. Staunton is.

One technical question came up in the context of a reply from, I think, Mr. Stahl when he spoke about the J1, acknowledging that there is no clear date for resumption and that there is a lack of clarity. Senator Craughwell, Deputy Brady and Senator O'Reilly declared an interest. Let me declare my interest insofar as my two daughters enjoyed thoroughly J1 stints in Washington and Boston which, I have no doubt, really formed them in their own personalities and assisted them on their return in their careers.

One has only got to look to this committee to see the importance of J1 visas for the tens of thousands of Irish people. Is there anything that we can do on this end in order to assist in the return of the J1 visa programme? Mr. Stahl spoke about the 12-month period after graduation. I notice some technical confusion here in a number of cases. Is it 12 months after graduation or 12 months after completion of a course? In the context of Covid-19, has there been any latitude that might in some circumstances be necessary in order to meet the requirements of individual cases?

I want to say well done to the witnesses on all their work. From listening to Mr. Stahl, Mr. Staunton, and Mr. Millar brings back fond memories of my days visiting some of the centres. I remember in particular the tea and Irish-style fruit cake in the Emerald Isle Immigration Center in New York. I had some more difficult encounters with Mr. Millar in Boston. I hope they achieved some results in terms of the many case studies done in Boston. I thank the witnesses for joining us. I will ask Ms Leonard Dibra to distribute the questions and queries from Senator O’Reilly, Deputy Clarke and me.