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

The achievement of relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the United States is a priority for the Government in our contacts with that country. We are continuing to work closely with high-level Government contacts, as well as with many other individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond, through the Irish Embassy in Washington and our consulates throughout the US. All of this work is aimed at achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US and improved channels for legal migration between Ireland and the US.

During his visit to the US in March and throughout a series of high-level contacts with the US Administration, with the US Congress and at state level, the Taoiseach has raised the issue of immigration reform and the plight of the undocumented Irish. He has stressed that almost every family in Ireland is related to or knows somebody who is caught up in this deeply distressing situation. During his meeting with President Obama on 17 March last, the Taoiseach commended him on the executive action he announced last year. This action is currently the subject of legal proceedings in the US federal courts. The Taoiseach emphasised the need to allow the undocumented Irish to come out of the shadows and be free to travel home for family events. He highlighted the issue of those among the undocumented Irish who might be eligible forvisas, but who would be required to return to Ireland for their issuance and hence would require waivers for their prior periods of undocumented residence.

The Taoiseach also pointed to the need for a legal pathway to allow for future Irish immigration to the US by those who wish to make a contribution there. He expressed the hope that a political way forward on this issue could be found to encourage progress on a comprehensive package of legislation by the US Congress. President Obama spoke of his executive actions on immigration reform and acknowledged the contribution of Irish immigrants to America's development. He said he considers that one of the great strengths of the US has always been its willingness to welcome new immigrants to its shores.

I also had the opportunity of raising the issue of immigration reform, including the possibility of immigration reform legislation and the question of visa waivers, when I met with Vice President Joe Biden in Boston on 30 March. I have also had the opportunity to discuss these matters on several occasions with the recently appointed US ambassador, Kevin O’Malley.

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