Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 96 and 108 together.

Addressing the position of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States remain important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. The Taoiseach and I discussed these issues with President Obama when we met him on 23 May in Dublin. Responding to our concerns, the US President expressed his interest in achieving progress.

I also discussed the issue of Irish immigration with the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and Senator Patrick Leahy, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, when I met him in Dublin on 3 June. I met representatives of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and the Coalition of Irish Centres in New York on 23 September. The Government has provided almost $365,000 to support that organisation since 2006, including $40,000 this year. Acting on my behalf, our embassy in Washington DC continues to engage on an ongoing basis with the US Administration at various levels and with both parties in the US Congress.

The introduction of a new comprehensive immigration reform Bill in the Senate on 22 June last was a welcome development. This Bill which has been brought forward by senior Democrats, including Senators Harry Reid, Charles Schumer and Robert Menendez, is similar to that introduced in the previous Congress and, once again, includes provision for a new E-3 visa for Ireland. Senator Menendez has indicated that in circulating the Bill he aimed to provide a framework for debate and negotiations. The continued inclusion of the E-3 visa for Ireland in the Bill represents an important achievement for the Government and the Irish community.

The successful passage of E-3 visa legislation would strengthen the human bridge between the two countries, which underpins our excellent existing bilateral relations, and provide a mechanism for Irish nationals seeking to work in the USA in the future. While we continue to press for such a scheme, including with Members of Congress, any efforts to pass immigration-related legislation in the current US domestic political climate would, however, face considerable challenges.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

I am also conscious that the E-3 visa would not provide a solution for the difficulties faced by the undocumented Irish in the United States and their families in Ireland. The nature of their status means that it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate for the number of undocumented. My Department, particularly the embassy in Washington, and I will continue to work actively on highlighting the situation of the undocumented Irish in the United States in our contacts with the US Administration, Congressional leaders and Irish immigration reform advocates, and work towards identifying positive outcomes on their behalf.

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