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

I do not have a date in respect of this court hearing. Should I get any information, I will be happy to report that to the Deputy. It would not be wise of me to speculate on a likely hearing date for a court action. The Deputy is correct that, the court case notwithstanding, it is important that we continue to ensure we raise these issues with our US counterparts as often as possible.

I referred to the Taoiseach's engagement with President Obama and my meetings with Vice President Biden. In addition, the Taoiseach discussed immigration issues with Congressman Paul Ryan of the Republican Party during his visit to Ireland on 30 March. The Government as a whole, including my Department and the embassy in Washington, will continue at all times to follow up on all the issues raised recently with the US Administration, Congress and the US embassy in Dublin. I urge all Deputies, including Deputy Brendan Smith, to pursue this matter with any contacts they may have as such endeavours would be especially useful in ensuring political support across the House of Representatives for this most important issue.

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