Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that this is and will remain a key priority for the Government in our bilateral relationship with the United States. Through our embassy in Washington, headed by our ambassador, Ms Anne Anderson, and our consulates throughout the United States we are working closely with many individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond towards achieving some relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US and improved channels for legal migration between Ireland and America. During my visit to the US from 23 September to 1 October I had a wide range of meetings on this important issue with Irish community groups and high-level government contacts, including Vice President Joe Biden, White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and the Secretary of State John Kerry.

The House will be aware that last Thursday President Obama announced new measures which should benefit thousands of undocumented Irish immigrants based in the US. Pending further possible measures being considered by the US Congress, the President’s measures are a step forward which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on immigrants’ lives. The Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers, CIIC, has welcomed President Obama's announcement as an important first step in allowing for much needed improvements to the immigration system. At the core of his proposals is that undocumented immigrants living in the US for more than five years who have children who are US citizens or legal residents, who register, go through background checks and pay their taxes will be protected from deportation and given temporary legal status.

I particularly welcome a provision which, for the first time, albeit under limited conditions, will permit some travel from and to the United States for those undocumented Irish who are eligible to apply under the arrangements President Obama has announced. Details as to how the travel provision will work in practice have yet to be confirmed but through our embassy in Washington, we are following up on it directly with the White House and the Department of Homeland Security.

See this speech in context