Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

We all wish to see the position of the undocumented Irish advanced and restored to some element of security. However, some confusion arises from the most recent statements. For example, the statement by Speaker Pelosi, which the Minister quoted, referred to a "comprehensive immigration Bill". Such a Bill would address the issue of the 12 million out-of-status people in the United States, of which the Irish are a part. The Taoiseach made many speeches in which he suggested one had to concentrate on what was available. It was made very clear to those of us who visited Washington more than once in recent years that a bilateral deal is not on offer. Is the Taoiseach speaking about a bilateral deal to specifically address Irish emigrants or is he speaking about a reference to the Irish within the general legislation to which Speaker Pelosi alluded?

It is my understanding the Kennedy-McCain proposals, which were withdrawn, also referred to a general approach. Most of the people with whom we are dealing, who are writing to us from Washington, are suggesting, for example, that sometimes the legislation is combined with a border security proposal. Where does the bilateral prospect arise or is it just a flight of fantasy?

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