Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. The fact that business and church leaders and other people of influence within society who may not have been strong advocates for immigration reform legislation previously are taking a leading role at the moment is heartening. Perhaps we should take the opportunity to compliment the many representative organisations and advocacy groups which we have had the opportunity to meet on the great work they are doing and have done for many decades on behalf of the undocumented Irish and Irish people.

At the weekend Nancy Pelosi gave a very depressing comment on immigration. She was referring in particular to the difficulties on the United States Mexico border. She said that she held out little hope of Congress passing comprehensive legislation and that the Democrats had been very patient with Mr. Boehner and the efforts he had been making as well as the changed political situation there. This, as well as the impending mid-term congressional elections, are playing into making the situation more difficult. President Obama stated on Monday that he would take some executive action in respect of dealing with immigration. Could that be seen as a threat to Congress? Does the Tánaiste believe it will give congressional leaders added impetus to bring the legislation to a successful conclusion?

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