Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 50: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date on addressing the issue of undocumented Irish in the U.S.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27248/11]

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 96: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of dialogue taking place with all levels of the US political system and Government in support of the 50,000 undocumented Irish in America; if he will confirm that this is high on the political agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27259/11]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 108: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the initiatives he proposes regarding the problem of undocumented Irish citizens in the United States; the estimated numbers involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27530/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 96 and 108 together.

Addressing the position of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States remain important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. The Taoiseach and I discussed these issues with President Obama when we met him on 23 May in Dublin. Responding to our concerns, the US President expressed his interest in achieving progress.

I also discussed the issue of Irish immigration with the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and Senator Patrick Leahy, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, when I met him in Dublin on 3 June. I met representatives of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and the Coalition of Irish Centres in New York on 23 September. The Government has provided almost $365,000 to support that organisation since 2006, including $40,000 this year. Acting on my behalf, our embassy in Washington DC continues to engage on an ongoing basis with the US Administration at various levels and with both parties in the US Congress.

The introduction of a new comprehensive immigration reform Bill in the Senate on 22 June last was a welcome development. This Bill which has been brought forward by senior Democrats, including Senators Harry Reid, Charles Schumer and Robert Menendez, is similar to that introduced in the previous Congress and, once again, includes provision for a new E-3 visa for Ireland. Senator Menendez has indicated that in circulating the Bill he aimed to provide a framework for debate and negotiations. The continued inclusion of the E-3 visa for Ireland in the Bill represents an important achievement for the Government and the Irish community.

The successful passage of E-3 visa legislation would strengthen the human bridge between the two countries, which underpins our excellent existing bilateral relations, and provide a mechanism for Irish nationals seeking to work in the USA in the future. While we continue to press for such a scheme, including with Members of Congress, any efforts to pass immigration-related legislation in the current US domestic political climate would, however, face considerable challenges.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

I am also conscious that the E-3 visa would not provide a solution for the difficulties faced by the undocumented Irish in the United States and their families in Ireland. The nature of their status means that it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate for the number of undocumented. My Department, particularly the embassy in Washington, and I will continue to work actively on highlighting the situation of the undocumented Irish in the United States in our contacts with the US Administration, Congressional leaders and Irish immigration reform advocates, and work towards identifying positive outcomes on their behalf.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for his response and especially for the work he is doing on this issue. Anybody from the west would have a significant interest in it. From the discussions, what are the prospects of the Bill brought forward by Senators Reid, Schumer and Menendez making progress in the US Senate? I know there is an upcoming election cycle in the United States which always taints the view, but is there a realistic chance that it will make progress in the current climate?

There was mention of reforming migration arrangements with the United States. Has any consideration been given to establishing a bilateral agreement with the United States under which we could deal with US citizens who are undocumented in Ireland? There would be reciprocity by dealing specifically with Irish citizens who are undocumented in the United States. The scale may be different, but the issue is equally as important for US citizens who are undocumented in this country.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for his kind remarks.

I understand and sympathise with the plight of people who find themselves undocumented in the United States and are unable to return home for funerals and for other family contacts. It is a very difficult situation. We are optimistic that the legislation will be introduced, and obviously we must work with the promoters of the legislation to ensure the E-3 provision is included. Our embassy in Washington is very much engaged with that.

On the wider issue of immigration reform in the US, there has been talk for some time about comprehensive immigration reform, but it is probably fair to point out that the prospects of such reform are remote. In the meantime, we are examining every other option. I recently had direct discussions on this with our ambassador in Washington. We discussed a range of options that must be considered and should, perhaps, be progressed, or at least explored, to see whether we can make some progress to the benefit of the undocumented and Irish people currently in the US.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Tánaiste consider that type of reciprocal arrangement, which might get around the difficulties that naturally exist on Capitol Hill? What work is the Irish Embassy in the United States doing in terms of effective lobbying of the Senate to ensure this Bill makes progress in the upper house? My understanding is that there has been criticism in the past to the effect that while a great deal of work is being done at governmental level, the Irish have not been as effective as they should be at lobbying level. Given how the US system works, it is imperative this aspect is not ignored.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is no embassy in Washington more effective at lobbying Capitol Hill and the American political system than the Irish Embassy. We have had outstanding service there over the years from our ambassadors and diplomats, including those currently serving there. They miss no opportunity to lobby on this issue and this country's other issues.

In respect of the reciprocal arrangement mentioned by the Deputy, we are examining every option, including reciprocal arrangements. When one is dealing with immigration issues in the United States, there is always a sense that what is achieved by one country in respect of immigration concessions is then sought by other countries. We must bear in mind that what one country is doing is always watched by another country. Nevertheless, we are exploring every possible opportunity. Our embassy in Washington has been hugely active on this but in addition to that work, if necessary, I will engage in some of that directly.