Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I thank all Members who have spoken, particularly those who were constructive in their support. I also thank the parties for the support they have given to this motion.

I cannot let the occasion pass without referring to what I regard as an attack on officials, perhaps for political purposes, regarding the way they respond to our citizens abroad. I am astounded at the work rate and assistance that our civil servants, embassy staff and consular staff give around the world at any time of the day or night. We endeavour to act on all cases brought to our attention as best we can. It is not always possible to intervene because of the circumstances of some cases. I regard Deputy Deasy's attack on officials, in particular, as one which may have been motivated by political purposes to get at the Government. No matter what administration is in office the response of the officials remains the same. When the tsunami occurred, staff came into the office on St. Stephen's Day at 12 o'clock in the morning to man the phones, as they did on Sunday last weekend, when the Bali bombing occurred. I do not accept that allegation.

Regarding the suggestion that the Kennedy and McCain Bill is dead on arrival, I have heard those comments as well but I do not want to be negative in this regard and I do not think others should be. I accept what people say, that the Bill may not ultimately be accepted. I heard that Senator McCain was asked what we could do by Members of the Oireachtas on an official trip. It was passed on to me by the American ambassador that a conversation had taken place in which Senator McCain said it would be most beneficial if the Oireachtas could pass an all-party motion in support of the Bill. I immediately set matters in train so that this could be put forward.

I accept the Bill as drafted may not be the Bill that will ultimately be passed but it contains the type of principles and elements that would help our people. I ask Members to understand that the support of all parties in this Chamber for this Bill will have a dramatic effect on the debate currently taking place. I accept what Deputy Boyle said, that we cannot dictate. I was very conscious of that in the way in which we drafted the motion, which thankfully got all-party support. From now on there will be a serious debate at Congress level in regard to all of these elements.

When the Taoiseach and I were in the White House on St. Patrick's Day we raised this issue with President Bush. While people on all sides of the House, in some instances, may criticise President Bush and the American Administration, he portrayed a complete understanding of the issues and a very sympathetic attitude towards the Irish involved, given the relatively small numbers. He indicated that because of the relatively large numbers of all nationalities that it is a big issue with which he wants to deal. I understand that in recent weeks he has been particularly active even though there have been other matters on his agenda in this respect.

There was some criticism, perhaps for political purposes, of the perceived lack of effort by the ambassador and staff in America. Nothing could be further from the truth. They are pulling out all the stops in regard to the lobbying of all Senators on a daily basis. One of the difficulties immigrant centres have is that they are not allowed to lobby. It is important that ordinary individuals who have people in America would lobby their particular Congressman and Senator to get the principles and elements of the Kennedy and McCain Bill put forward. In the many opportunities I have had in recent months to go to America on other business, I have always found the time to meet representatives of the Irish emigrant centres. On a recent visit I called all the centres together to one location for the first time to meet me and my officials. We had a very good discussion, not only on the Bill in question but also on other issues, not least of which was the issue of looking after elderly Irish people in America.

The ambassador will continue his work in this regard and very much appreciates the support of the Oireachtas for this motion. As I stated, it will be a significant element in recognising the elements of the McCain-Kennedy Bill. I would like to think that when the legislation comes into force, it will contain provisions that will not require our people to return home to apply for a visa. I hope it will in some way give Irish emigrants an opportunity to embark on a path leading to permanent residency.

The Fine Gael delegation that was in the United States referred to the issue of an amnesty. Whatever about the McCain-Kennedy Bill, the amnesty was dead from day one. We were told not even to mention it.

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