Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am glad the Taoiseach is taking this issue very seriously. When he goes to America and addresses both Houses of Congress it is important that he refers to the undocumented Irish, given that in the past month a young person from our country who was sick with pneumonia could not go to the authorities or the hospitals because he was afraid he would be identified and sent home. He was sent home but the problem was he came home in a coffin. That is sad. These are our citizens whom we must protect.

The caucuses are taking place in relation to the presidential election but the only person who is talking about immigration is John McCain. The Irish-American politicians over here addressed this House and told the Taoiseach and me what they would do for the Irish, yet when they have an opportunity now they do not appear to be too worried about the undocumented or about Ireland. It is important that the Taoiseach goes out there and ensures we get the bilateral agreement. As he has said, the numbers are small. Why then can we not do a deal between ourselves and America?

Given that there are American citizens in Ireland who are in the same position as our citizens in America, I do not know why we cannot do a deal. Is Senator Ted Kennedy on board in regard to our undocumented? The Taoiseach had discussions with him and, perhaps, he will tell the House if Senator Kennedy supports our case and what can be done to get this bilateral agreement. As the Taoiseach has said, this House passed an agreed joint motion that we try to do something for the undocumented.

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