Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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9. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if progress has been made on establishing an E3 visa agreement between Ireland and the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2538/15]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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We all welcome President Obama's comments in his state of the Union address earlier this week that he is determined to progress plans on immigration reform. Although this will benefit many undocumented Irish in the US, many more will not fall into the category and it will not deal with the lack of a clearly accessible route into the US from an immigration perspective. Unless we can progress an E3 visa, the problem will continue to recur.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for raising the issue and I acknowledge his role in that regard. The intention to establish an E3 visa agreement between Ireland and the US remains a key element of Ireland's overall position on US immigration reform and one which we continue to emphasise in our contacts with US spokespersons and at ministerial level through the immigration reform activities of our embassy in Washington DC. The Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan, is in the US availing of the opportunity to review progress and our embassy continues to follow up on our contacts on a cross-party basis with Congress. I urge the Deputy to play his role in this, which I know he does, on a regular and active basis.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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I thank the Minister for his response. I acknowledge the role the Irish ambassador to the United States is playing in this. She has been very significant in progressing many of these issues. The appointment of the Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan, in this specific role is significant. While we had hoped for a more expansive programme, what is being progressed is very welcome. Some years ago, Bruce Morrison addressed Members here and pressed home how important it was to have a comprehensive immigration programme in the US. He also pointed out that solving the problem without addressing the need to be able easily to access the US will lead to a recurring problem in the future. It is fundamentally important that we try, in so far as possible. Given that we have significant, very credible and highly influential friends in the US, we need to secure their support to progress this to finality as soon as possible.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy is correct in his approach. I wish to assure Deputy Naughten and the House again that through its embassies and consulates across the United States, as well as through direct political contact with the Administration and Congress, the Government will continue to advocate and encourage further steps that will reflect the concerns and needs of the Irish people. I also refer again to the Deputy's comments with specific reference to the E-3 visa, which is a vehicle that has been used to good effect in respect of relations between Australia and the United States in particular. It is the Government's intention to continue to pursue at every opportunity the facilitation of such an agreement between Ireland and the United States and I will keep the House informed of developments in this regard.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Briefly, may I ask the Minister one final question? As the Minister is aware, the President indicated in his state of the Union address his determination to make progress with the issue of immigration reform. It is important to ensure that as many Irish citizens as possible who are eligible to apply under the scheme so do. To ensure this happens, it is necessary to ensure the groups working with the undocumented Irish in the United States have the resources and capacity available to them to assist people through what will be a highly complex process. It is in our interests and those of the authorities in the United States that this be as seamless as possible. Can the Minister assure the House that whatever resources are required will be made available to those organisations to ensure there is the maximum possible uptake of this scheme?

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I assure both the Deputy and the House that the resources for Ireland's emigrant groups will continue to be made available. On foot of a visit I made to a number of centres last autumn, I am satisfied that all these funds are being expended well. While I am conscious of the time, I note briefly that I was pleased to see reference in the President's state of the Union address to the matter of immigration reform. Work continues within the United States Administration to finalise the details and what now is needed is to give effect to the measures. I am satisfied, from assurances given, that this will take place this year.