Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Scanlon for sharing time and I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Treacy.

It is unprecedented for both Houses of the Oireachtas to agree to declare their support for legislation that is before the US Houses of Congress. The actions of the Dáil and Seanad reflect the support for this proposal throughout the country. The proposed Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act, which has been sponsored by Senators Edward Kennedy and John McCain, is very worthwhile. It will help to support the estimated 10 million undocumented immigrants in the US. The number of undocumented Irish, about whom we are particularly concerned, is debatable. It does not really matter whether the estimate of 25,000 is more accurate than the estimate of 50,000 — the most important thing is to regulate their status. I will not labour the point that has already been made about the circumstances of such people.

I wish to comment on a case that came to my attention not long after I became a Senator. I was contacted at that time by the relatives of three young ladies from County Roscommon who are among the undocumented Irish in the US. The family in question, which was deeply concerned about the circumstances of the three young people, appealed to me to use my influence to help the women. I raised the matter in the Seanad by means of a motion in July 2004. The Leader of the House, Senator O'Rourke, contacted the Taoiseach, who then discussed the matter with the US President, Mr. Bush, who was very sympathetic.

The undocumented Irish in the US with whom I am familiar pay taxes and contribute to that country's economy. I appeal to the approximately 40 million Americans who can trace their ancestry to this country to use their influence at the next US presidential election. If this problem is not resolved, it should become a major issue during that election campaign. When Irish-Americans learn that this motion has received the unanimous support of the Irish Parliament, I hope they will use their significant influence at many levels throughout the US. Such people have traditionally been extremely willing to assist this country, such as, for example in the area of export trade.

I remind the House of the important support and assistance this country has given to the US. I refer to the courageous step taken by the Government when it decided to allow the US armed forces to use Shannon Airport. It received a great deal of abuse from many sources when it made that decision but it has maintained its stance. It is also important to consider that thousands of Irish-Americans are serving with the US defence forces in their missions abroad. My nephew, for example, has served in Iraq. Such people are courageous in their defence of the idealism of the United States of America. We can make a good case to the US Administration and the US President, Mr. Bush, that it is payback time. The US owes us a great debt of gratitude for what we have given to that country, just as we owe the US for its help as a friendly country.

I commend the Members of the House. including Senators Mooney, Ryan and Bradford, who have been very involved in this issue over many years. The Taoiseach, the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern and the Minister of State, Deputy Treacy, have also been very involved. The current Irish ambassador to the United States, Mr. Noel Fahey, who is a friend of mine since school — we sat beside each other in Roscommon CBS — is highly involved in issues of this nature. The Morrison and Donnelly visa schemes made a great contribution over many years. Mr. Brian Donnelly, who gave his name to the Donnelly visa scheme, has a close connection with south Roscommon. We have great friends in the United States.

I hope the motion before the House represents a step in the right direction. The united approach of both Houses of the Oireachtas in supporting the Government will achieve results. The Government and its officials will lead this country's campaign on this issue in the United States. The decisions of this House and the Dáil constitute the putting down of a significant marker. I hope and pray that we will get results. Every time this matter is raised in the Seanad, people in the US contact me to ask whether progress is being made. The undocumented Irish want to know there is hope and a possibility of light at the end of the tunnel. It is tragic that such people cannot return home for weddings, funerals and similar significant events. I hope the problems I have mentioned can be resolved.