Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----because the belief was that we might be able to have agreement between both sides to do something about it.

I met the new ambassador, Mr. Kevin O'Malley, whom I wish well in his ambassadorship here. He is very interested and understands these matters. His ancestors on both sides come from Ireland and he has a deep understanding of it. Obviously, he is encouraged to do what he can to assist us here. Ambassador Anderson is very active in Washington with the immigration reform groups in dealing with public representatives on both sides on Capitol Hill. We commend all those who do this work.

I spoke to young people at an event in the Irish Consulate. There were approximately 100 present from the North and South. I was most interested in hearing their views on why they went to the United States and whether it was their intention to stay there. Opinion was evenly divided among them. Some said they have been in the United States for three years and while they have got on very well and gained a lot of experience they are going back. Others said they believed they would choose to stay there as they like what they are doing and have many opportunities and the ability to travel to and from Ireland as they please. Deputy Adams should note that some in this group were undocumented. Obviously, there are others in the United States who have a very different view from them. Those from both the North and South were excited about a job in America and the opportunities that country can bring, yet some said they would just spent two or three years there and go home.

Minister of State Deputy Deenihan is working on a paper on the diaspora, as is the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government arising from the report of the Constitutional Convention on this subject. Let us see what both papers will produce.

Minister of State Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin is dealing with the question of direct provision. This has come to my door. I have encountered a number of protests and letters were handed in. One matter that really needs to be dealt with is the question of how long it takes to make a decision on an asylum request. Nobody should be here for ten years waiting for an answer. The group set up under Mr. Justice Bryan McMahon, including all the relevant representatives, is to produce a report, and I look forward to seeing it. The Minister for Justice and Equality has commented on this and Minister of State, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, is interested in it. Central is the question of how one makes an expeditious decision on an asylum claim. It can be very difficult with claimants from some countries because of language, corruption and such matters. I have dealt with a number of these matters in the past. It is an interesting concept but the Government has responded, including through Mr. Justice Brian McMahon and his group and the interest of the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister of State, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, in particular.

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