Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

On the question on the undocumented Irish, I indicated to Deputies Kenny and Gilmore as much as I can state on what my approach will be and my determination to continue to seek a solution, emphasising that we need agreement from the other side which has certain concerns and issues to be dealt with in the context of considering our requests or representations. We must respect that and if we do not do so we will not make much headway. If we respect it we have some chance of making some headway. I have always found successive United States Administrations to be very helpful to this country in many ways. My reciprocal commitment in respect of that relationship will not be selective. If one wants to have influence one must be prepared to reciprocate.

In respect of the hope we can give the undocumented Irish for the future, we simply say to them that we will work diligently, hard and conscientiously on their behalf, trying to maintain friendships and influence, and work with people who are prepared to help us in Congress and Government to see how we can resolve this matter to everyone's satisfaction. It is not simply an issue of demand, it is an issue of recognising that the status of the people involved is unsatisfactory for themselves, from the Government's point of view and from the point of view of the US. We are trying to find a means by which we can regularise that situation. I have always felt that if we want to do that, unlike others, I would not be selective in my approach.

On the other matter, which is totally unrelated, we are simply adopting the same policy that has been adopted for 50 years by successive Governments. The Deputy is requesting me to change that policy, but that was considered in the House and was rejected. In a previous response I outlined to Deputy Gilmore the powers of the Garda in this matter.

See this speech in context