Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Ring for tabling this important motion. It is nice to see that the Government has seen fit to back a second Fine Gael Private Members' motion since the summer recess. I am not from the west but from the south east. There are not many Wexford people who are undocumented in America. While it affects quite a few families in Wexford, it would not affect as many as in Mayo, Galway or other parts of the west of Ireland. It is very sad to listen to the stories of some of these people who have not been home for years. Many of them are involved in construction in America. Since the events of 11 September 2001, it has been even harder for them to survive in America given the tightening of laws on bank accounts, driving licences, etc. It is sad that many Irish people over there are on the breadline as a result. They do not need to be struggling.

Deputy Connaughton mentioned that the Taoiseach could come forward and press the matter home more forcefully, something he has failed to do in his ten years as Taoiseach. The Taoiseach should seek a commitment from each of the US presidential candidates to ascertain where they stand on the issue. If the Government had some form of commitment from whoever is elected President, he or she would be required to honour it. Given the number of Irish-American voters, such a commitment would help bring a candidate over the line in the presidential election. I call on the Government to carry that out.

In the past two years, the Australians have reached an agreement with the Americans. I feel a similar deal can be done for the Irish in America to allow them come home to the island of Ireland to their family and friends. Other speakers have outlined how they are unable to come home for funerals and family weddings. Many of them have not seen their parents in years. I would not like to be an Irishman in America unable to come home to see my family and friends. I call on the Minister of State to let the Taoiseach know of the strong statements from the Fine Gael side of the House. He can do something that he has failed to do in recent years.

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