Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is important a US ambassador to Ireland is appointed. Former ambassador Dan Rooney did fantastic work on behalf of both countries. While he was US ambassador to Ireland he considered himself to be an Irish man and was an outstanding representative. It is a pity the new ambassador has not been appointed to date. I would have thought that we would have news of that appointment in advance of the Taoiseach's visit to the US for St. Patrick's Day.

There have been many false dawns in relation to the emigration story. Unfortunately, the key issue in terms of whether this will happen is domestic American politics. Notwithstanding what others have said in the House, I put it to the Taoiseach that it is important we keep an eye out for potential bilateral frameworks that would enable people to travel legally between our two countries. We have an historic relationship with the US, dating back many hundreds of years. Many of our countrymen were centrally involved in the American War of Independence and so on. For example, I negotiated the first working holiday agreement between our two countries with then Deputy Secretary of State Negroponte. I think Ireland was the first country to negotiate such an agreement. However, there were restrictive clauses in that agreement. It is not as liberal as the working holiday agreement we have with Japan or Australia. During the past decade up to 17,000 young people per annum were going to Australia on a one or two year work visa. Since the signing of the agreement with the United States fewer than 1,000 people have travelled, with only 500 having travelled in the first year. We can open up opportunities through the development of bilateral frameworks such as the E3 visa between Australia and the United States. I understand that the Hispanics are very clear on the need for a comprehensive agreement.

I dislike being pessimistic but, unfortunately, the complexities of the domestic political scene in America have frustrated attempts at a pan migration deal. This is a huge problem that has been ongoing into successive presidencies. I am not casting blame. I am a realist and understand realpolitik but I believe we need to open up two strands, all the time working with all of the other parties to see if a pan deal can be done while endeavouring to find out if a bilateral framework can be developed in some niche areas.

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