Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We had discussions in the House on the conclusion of the Haass talks. We expressed disappointment that it was not possible to get agreement on the flags, parades and the past, but it is important to note that the Haass talks provide a basis for making further progress. As Deputy McDonald is well aware, that is not an easy issue. While her party agreed that the conclusion of the talks process should be endorsed, others did not. The talks were hosted on the invitation of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to Dr. Haass and his team. The five parties did engage pretty well during the two short periods in which they discussed matters. The process did not work out. I am pleased to note that at least the parties continue to follow through by having a series of meetings on how matters might be progressed. The Government is more than willing to support and assist in whatever progress can be made. The talks were not hosted by the Government or the British Government but we are very supportive of every little piece of progress that can be made in that regard. The Tánaiste spoke to the Secretary of State recently and also to Dr. Haass.

I did discuss with the President the question of immigration. I hope to raise the matter again when I have the opportunity to travel to Washington in March. A great deal of activity is going on in the United States. I commend Ambassador Anderson on the number of meetings she has had both with representatives in the Senate and in the Congress on the matter. It boils down to what will happen in the US House of Representatives. President Obama and the US Senate have laid out their position very clearly. I cannot say what will happen with the House of Representatives but meetings are taking place. The general hope is that things could happen on immigration in 2014. We are approaching the last two years of this presidency for President Obama and in that sense there is an understanding that immigration has a major impact in the United States given the number involved. For our part, we will certainly engage with the immigration reform group and the Irish connections. There are 50,000 young Irish people in particular who are undocumented. It is a small segment of a very big pool but we would be hopeful that progress could be made. We discussed the matter and President Clinton is hopeful. President Obama and the Senate are also hopeful and now it is a matter for the House of Representatives. Elections are coming up later in the year and that might well impact on what action is taken. I will raise the matter again with the leaders and groups I hope to meet when I go to the United States. In so far as that is concerned, we will keep Irish interests very much alive and to the fore. I hope to mention it specifically to President Obama when I have the opportunity to speak with him.

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