Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her answer. She stated that the influence of Ireland in the United States is remarkable. However, that influence does not seem to be used as best we can. That is the way Irish people overseas look at it. I know Covid has had a serious impact on the last two years but we need to get these talks with the American Administration up and running, especially about the undocumented. Some have been there for 20 or 30 years and have not been able to come home to their family members. That is not fair. Even the former Fine Gael Deputy, John Deasy, says the Government is not doing enough, which is a damning indictment of this Government.

We will never have a better chance to make progress on Irish issues, especially the undocumented, than now, with an Irish-American President and Democrats controlling the Senate and the House of Representatives. We need to do more to help. We cannot just talk about it. President Biden's proposed US Citizenship Act of 2021 shows that immigration issues are a key priority for his Administration. The Irish Government must keep raising this at every opportunity and explore all available options.

I take this opportunity to thank the people and organisations that help the Irish diaspora. Organisations like the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust are there to help bereaved families in tragic circumstances, the GAA helps Irish people all over the world, and Irish people abroad themselves are great when fundraisers are being run or if anything is needed when people are in trouble. When going to Washington on St. Patrick's Day with a bowl of shamrock, I ask the Minister of State not to forget the undocumented Irish.

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