Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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It is welcome that the delegation was engaged in an intense lobbying exercise with officials of the US Administration and Congress Members. We all want to see the matter progressed because not one week goes by without us receiving representations from families who wish to have the immigration status of a family member regularised. It is a difficult position to be in for many of those affected because they are not in a position to return home for family occasions, be they celebratory or bereavements.

The electoral cycle in the United States passes quickly and is a point of concern in resolving this issue. Several months ago when we discussed this matter with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, we were all agreed that when election mode kicked in in the United States, the level of collaboration to put through immigration reform legislation would decline. There is a two-year cycle for the House of Representatives and some Senators. Whatever has to be done must be done as quickly as possible. Every day lost makes it more difficult. What other lobbying can be engaged in to keep this matter on the agenda? I have always had confidence in our diplomatic staff and their capacity to network and talk to the real decision-makers and people of influence.