Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline his views on the recent immigration reform initiative; the plans he has to discuss this initiative with the United States authorities in regard to the position of the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9180/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The welfare of the Irish abroad in general and especially the position of undocumented Irish immigrants in the United States remains an important priority for the Government. A resolution of the situation for undocumented Irish immigrants will continue to be pursued by the Government in our ongoing contacts with the US Administration and Congress.

The advice of Ireland's friends and contacts within the US Administration and Congress has long been that comprehensive reform of the US immigration system and procedures is likely to be the only manner by which such a resolution can be achieved. The prospects for such reform would appear to have advanced in the wake of President Obama’s re-election. The emphasis he placed on immigration reform in his inauguration address as well as his subsequent speech on the issue on 29 January and his State of the Union address on 12 February all sent a positive signal in this regard. The indications of emerging bipartisan support for reform in Congress are also encouraging. Although work is under way in the Senate and the House of Representatives, full proposals have not yet been tabled. We will monitor closely any proposals as they emerge in the coming weeks and months.

Through our embassy in Washington and in close liaison with Irish-American community representatives, our contacts with the US Administration and Congress continue with a view to ensuring that the interests and concerns of undocumented Irish immigrants are captured in any future legislative deal in this area that emerges. In this regard, I raised the issue with the then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during our bilateral meeting on 6 December last and recalled our strong support for comprehensive immigration legislation and the passage of E-3 visas for Irish citizens.

I am currently engaged in a round of telephone discussions with key US Senators to discuss prospects for progress and to underline our ongoing interest in the issue. The Taoiseach discussed immigration reform when he spoke with President Obama to congratulate him on his re-election. The issue will remain a critical element of the Government's engagement with the US authorities, including over the forthcoming St. Patrick's Day period. My programme and that of other members of the Government during that period, while not yet finalised, will include discussions with key political figures on the immigration and with the Irish community groups that provide assistance to the undocumented.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

Much further debate and discussion is likely to be required within the US political system as to what any future legislative deal might comprise. It is therefore not possible at this stage to identify an exact timescale in which these may become clear. What I can make clear, however, is that this issue will continue to receive the Government's closest attention over the period ahead.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. Clearly, assisting or regularising the position of the undocumented Irish must form part of a comprehensive immigration reform programme. Like the Tánaiste, I welcome the fact that, in two major speeches recently, President Obama placed a certain priority on a legislative initiative to deal with this issue. I also welcome the cross-party support for and work on devising a worthwhile initiative.

Am I correct in believing that the priority for Irish lobbyists has traditionally been the provision of E-3 visas, which would give approximately 10,500 undocumented Irish the legal status to work in the US for up to two years? We hope that the proposed reform will be successful, but I read that one Irish lobbyist group is concerned about the fact that the reform period will be eight years long. The 30,000 to 50,000 undocumented Irish in the US want to go about their work normally in the meantime while being able to travel home to visit their families if necessary. What is the likely timeline for an initiative's enactment, should such an initiative be successfully passed by Congress?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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This issue has two aspects, first of which is the position of the undocumented Irish in the US. We estimate that there are approximately 50,000. As Deputy Smith mentioned, some of them have been living in the US for some time and cannot return home for funerals. They are in difficult circumstances. We are anxious to have their position regularised.

Second, we have been advancing an idea for the E-3 visa that would enable new Irish immigrants to work in the US. The model used is the E-3 arrangement negotiated by Australia.

A major change occurred during the US presidential election, that is, a clear bipartisan political determination to introduce legislation on comprehensive immigration reform.

Overall, our understanding is that this is legislation that potentially could cover approximately 11 million immigrants in the US. We want to ensure that the needs of the undocumented Irish are included in any such legislative reform. That is why we are discussing the matter directly with the US Administration and why we are also discussing it with Senators and Members of Congress on both sides of the political aisle in the US.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Tánaiste for his further clarification. I again urge him to ensure that every opportunity that arises is taken by Irish political leaders and officials working in the United States in order to keep the issue on top of the agenda. The Tánaiste correctly stated that many people have not been able to travel home for family occasions, be they happy or sad. All of us, but in particular those who represent rural constituencies, receive representations every weekend from parents, elderly in many instances, who want a son or daughter to be in a position to travel home. We want to be able to assure them that this is a priority for Government. It is outside our legislative powers but the Government can keep it high on the agenda in all discussions with Members of Congress and officials in President Obama’s Administration as well.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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This is very much a priority for the Government. I do not wish to create false expectations as there have been false dawns on immigration reform and visa related issues in the United States. However, it is clear that positive signals have been made. Speeches by President Obama have been absolutely explicit. He has said he wants to see legislation on the issue. On foot of that, the approach being taken involves me doing a round of telephone conversations with key United States Senators who are involved in the issue. Our embassy in Washington is also very much involved. Both the Taoiseach and I will be in the United States over the St. Patrick’s Day period. We will both be in Washington and we intend to use the opportunity to speak to key political figures and those within the US Administration about the issue. The situation is difficult. It is not for us to predict a timeframe because that is in the hands of the US Legislature. We have got a feel for what is happening and what is possible, certainly from the discussions I have had with United States Senators and Members of Congress.