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

I want to acknowledge the comments of the Deputy, with which I agree fully. During my visit to the US in September, I had a wide range of meetings on this important issue across a range of Irish community groups in Washington, New York and Boston, and with high level government contacts, including Vice President Joe Biden, White House Chief of Staff, Denis McDonough, and Secretary of State John Kerry. I wish to acknowledge the role of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Gaelic Athletic Association, in particular the New York branch, and the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. I want to acknowledge the Consul General in Chicago, Aidan Cronin, along with those who were mentioned by Deputy Naughten. I also acknowledge the representatives from this House, representing all parties and none, and, indeed, Deputy Naughten himself played no small role in ensuring this issue was high on the agenda.

Last Thursday, President Obama announced new measures which will benefit thousands of undocumented Irish immigrants based in the US. Pending further possible measures being considered by Congress, these measures are a step forward. We are now in the process of providing information through the centres. The views of the wider Irish community are being canvassed so the information is filtering through, not only through the media but through social media in particular. The websites of our centres have detailed information in so far as it is available.

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