Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to have the opportunity to support this motion. I commend the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, for proposing it. I acknowledge the role of the Ceann Comhairle and various other Deputies representing all parties, who have kept the plight of the undocumented Irish to the forefront by travelling to the United States to make their case. I have travelled to the US to that end on two occasions. Like other Members, I have been delighted by the level of support for the undocumented Irish that has been indicated by members of the US Congress. We are all aware of the hardship faced by people whose loved ones in the United States find it difficult to attend family events such as funerals and weddings. The difficulties to which I refer are brought most into focus on such occasions. The legislation being debated in the US at present is most important for that reason.

I greatly regret the cavalier attitude to the US in certain quarters, particularly since the events of 11 September 2001 and in the context of the Iraq war. The small group of people who display the attitude to which I refer seems to get a disproportionate amount of publicity. I do not think the attitude in question is positive in any way. We should acknowledge the US Administration's huge support for the Northern Ireland peace process over recent decades. Similarly, we need to reflect on the importance of the huge level of foreign direct investment in this country. As the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, pointed out earlier, there is now a two-way process of investment, as many Irish companies are establishing operations and employing substantial numbers of people in the US. That undoubtedly arises from the progress made due to foreign direct investment in this country by US companies.

I was honoured to represent the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, at the annual general meeting of the Irish Episcopal Commission on Emigrants in Washington. I acknowledge the wonderful support work undertaken by Bishop Hegarty and Fr. Alan Hillard and others on the US front, particularly the work done by the Irish emigrant centres. I had the opportunity on that occasion to meet many of their representatives, as did the other Oireachtas Members with us. One would have to be enormously impressed by the quality of their work and the range of demands on their services. We tended to emphasise the plight of the undocumented Irish but many other difficulties beset the Irish community there, to some of which the Minister referred in his speech. The work of the centres is very important.

I am delighted funding for emigrants is now eight times what it was in 1997. I was very impressed by the work of the Irish abroad unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish Embassy and consulates in the US. I had reason on occasion to make representations on specific cases. The level of support I received from our people in the US was extraordinary and went far beyond what would reasonably be seen as the call of duty. It is important this is acknowledged in the House.

In a debate such as this we must also acknowledge the role of the friends of Ireland in Congress, and their understanding of the difficulties which beset the undocumented Irish. I acknowledge the past work of Congressmen Morrison and Donnelly with regard to visas but also the ongoing advice and support of others. We are all aware of the difficulties which arise in regard to, for example, driving licences or tighter border security. Hardly a Member of the House has not been contacted by a constituent arising from difficulties in this area. However, the House must also acknowledge that it is a difficult climate for reform in the United States, a point which should not be made light of. Every effort should be made in the House and elsewhere to speak and act in support of the Kennedy-McCain Bill. We also acknowledge the support of President Bush and his generous response to the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs during the last St. Patrick's Day celebrations in regard to the difficulties of the undocumented Irish.

Ultimately, this legislation, like legislation in any Parliament, will be amended and examined in great detail. We could be more proactive in one area, namely, in encouraging those in Congress who have fears in regard to immigration issues to take a more positive view of the Kennedy-McCain Bill. This is one of the great challenges. Many US politicians, particularly post 9/11, have concerns in this area. We need to do all we can to ensure those concerns are addressed.

With regard to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, it is clearly in our economic interest that we continue to support and be positive towards foreign direct investment which, fortunately, now moves in both directions. It is important for our economy that a message is sent. As a number of Deputies opposite stated, it is also important that our policy in this area reflects what we demand of others.

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