Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

There is no basis for making the claim. Deputy Kenny is aware that the domestic political situation in the US means this is a divisive and difficult issue on which to get a comprehensive approach because the US Congress and Government have sought a comprehensive approach to resolve this. It has not been possible to resolve it thus far despite the bipartisan efforts of people of such eminence as Senators Kennedy and McCain, two of the most influential Senators in the US Congress. They were unable to get sufficient support in the Houses of Congress for their proposals or for amendments suggested to their proposals. Despite the difficult background against which Deputy Kenny acknowledges we have had to operate, all the evidence has been about advocacy and seeking to present a persuasive case but has culminated in serious efforts being made within Congress by the most influential people in Congress to address the issue in a way the Irish Government would like to see it addressed on behalf of our citizens who are undocumented. That is a fairer reflection of the situation to date. I do not accept the suggestion that the former Taoiseach was in dereliction of duty in any way.

Up to the discussion the former Taoiseach had with President Bush, when he had the honour of addressing both Houses of Congress, I know how assiduously and strongly he put the case from reports of those meetings. Unfortunately, the indication was that it would be difficult to deal with this matter unless there was a comprehensive approach. The former Taoiseach continued in the course of those discussions, as I will continue in my office, to seek to persuade the US Government to examine this issue from a number of vantage points in an effort to resolve the matter, even if one must acknowledge and respect the present policy position regarding immigration and the challenges it provides for the US domestically.

The former Taoiseach outlined the position of the undocumented Irish in the US. He expressed the view that in the absence of a comprehensive package a reciprocal arrangement between Ireland and the US should be possible and should be examined. This could provide the means of allowing Irish people to work legally in the US. The president was emphatic that, in the absence of a comprehensive package, it would be very difficult to come to an arrangement that would give an advantage to one over any other group. We hope that through further engagement between our officials and the US Administration, progress could be made on a bilateral agreement to allow Irish people to work legally in the US and for US citizens to work here.

Since I became Taoiseach I met with Niall O'Dowd, the chairman of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, on 22 May. We discussed the issue of the undocumented Irish in a comprehensive fashion. I thank him for that discussion. I reiterated the Government's strong commitment to find a resolution of the situation we are facing. We want to see the position of the undocumented regularised and a beneficial system of bilateral migration arrangements between Ireland and the US put in place.

On Monday I met with a congressional delegation led by Senators Patrick Leahy, Thad Cochran and Richard Shelby, and we had detailed discussion on the issue. I am grateful to all our friends in Congress, across both parties and the US Administration for their help. I appreciate the efforts they are making on our behalf, and will continue to make even in this election year, to see if there is any means by which we can make progress on the matter.

I agree the unanimous resolution of the House is an excellent position for any Government to have. That unanimity should manifest itself in not denigrating the efforts of the Government in trying to achieve the outcome.

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