Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am sure we all wish Senator Kennedy all the best in his challenge to deal with a serious health problem.

What are the new Taoiseach's views on the undocumented Irish? I am aware of the complexity of this matter. The Kennedy-McCain Bill fell, along with other attempts in this area. I am also conscious of the fact that the American presidential elections put a constraint upon members of the US Congress who might wish to put forward views or legislative plans in respect of undocumented persons in the US.

Does the Taoiseach agree that, following the unanimous adoption of a motion in the House, we should pursue a bilateral arrangement between the US and Ireland for young people from the Twenty-six Counties and from Northern Ireland in a reciprocal fashion? This country has had a special relationship with the US for 200 years in economic, cultural, political and legal terms. Other countries seem to have acquired facilities for worker visas on a reciprocal basis. The Taoiseach will be aware that it is more difficult for a young American to get authorisation to live and work in Ireland than the other way round.

The Irish who are currently undocumented in the US do not want an amnesty and a free pass to continue to live there. They want a legal and political route by which they can earn their keep legitimately in the US. There are many cases of people who are married, pay their social security, raise their families and contribute to the American economy, but are still undocumented. As a consequence, they are restricted from coming back here due to family circumstances. It is a particularly sensitive and sore problem. It appears that the commitment of the Government faded in the last few months of Deputy Ahern's time as Taoiseach. I would like the Taoiseach to bring this to a new level and raise it to the right level when he commences discussions with his US counterparts. The Taoiseach should also build on the platform given unanimously by all parties and Members that we should pursue a bilateral, reciprocal arrangement operating north and south with the US in the interests of dealing with the challenges both countries face in the next 25 years.

See this speech in context