Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I commend Deputy Ring on tabling this motion and, along with Deputy McGinley and others who travelled to the United States, for being so forthright in fighting for this cause. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the plight of Irish emigrants living in the United States. This is an issue about which I feel very strongly and about which many of my constituents are deeply concerned. At present we have no way of knowing how many Irish emigrants live in the United States. Many left when Ireland's growth was not as strong as it is at present. I worry that since our economy has improved, we have become less aware of the problems they face. I strongly recommend that the Minister for Foreign Affairs makes this issue a priority over the coming months. The Australian system, whereby a bilateral agreement was reached between Australia and America, would be incredibly effective in regard to this country. I urge the Minister to look at it and to see it as a positive way to move forward because it is has been tried and it works.

The recent figures speak for themselves. Ireland received 10% fewer green cards in 2006 than in 2005 and 28% fewer lottery visas in 2006 than in 2005. This is not because Irish people are not anxious to go to America but we have not been successful in getting there legally. There are still thousands of young Irish people who would like to follow the Irish tradition of leaving for America to make their life in that exciting country. We no longer view emigration as a tragedy. It is of great benefit to the many young people who travel there and a great education to them.

Driving licences for these emigrants is a major issue. Anybody who knows anything about American life knows that one can barely function there without having a car and being able to drive yet driving licences are being taken from Irish emigrants making their lives in America extremely difficult.

There is a rule whereby if one goes to America to start a business and invest a certain amount of money, one can get a visa. The Irish people contribute to the economy there just as American people in Ireland contribute to the Irish economy. The connection between both countries can be seen in their respective labour forces. The United States has had a profound cultural influence on this country, as exemplified by its role in the peace process in Northern Ireland. The duty of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the priority of the Government should be to make things happen to ensure that the undocumented Irish can live contentedly. We have all heard stories from our constituents about people who have genuine cases to make. I beg the Government to help these vulnerable people by heeding their calls.

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