Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

One element of Government policy which I support strongly is its attempt to introduce regulation for undocumented Irish in the United States. I met the Minister for Foreign Affairs in New York last week. The estimated figure for undocumented Irish in the United States is between 25,0000 and 50,000 out of an estimated 10 million illegal immigrants in the United States. President Bush has signed the homeland security Bill and the intention is to send every immigrant home. While there is no direct intention to remove the Irish, the view of American legislators is that regulating their situation might not be as easy as was assumed. It is the Government's intention to have this matter regulated if possible, a position supported by every party. I suggest the Taoiseach take every opportunity to raise this matter with the American authorities. I will write to the Taoiseach on a number of issues arising from this matter that deserve Government consideration.

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