Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the comments made by Senator Ó Murchú on the undocumented Irish in the United States. I heard the Tánaiste indicate yesterday that in the course of his forthcoming visit to the United States this issue will be at the top of his agenda and that he will work with the US authorities and Government to try to make progress on the matter. There appears to be a window of opportunity in view of the recent comments of President Obama, but the issue will require cross-party support in the US political system. A number of years ago, the late Ted Kennedy, in conjunction with Senator John McCain, produced legislation which would certainly have been effective in transforming the lives of tens of thousands of undocumented Irish in the US if enacted. Sadly, the legislation did not pass.

The momentum may be there now for similar legislation and I am sure the Government will be very helpful on the issue. Lobby groups in the United States are very strong and are doing tremendous work. My first visit to the US as a politician was in 1989, when being without documents was a profound problem, just as it appears to be again. At that stage, the Irish Immigration Reform Movement was the main organising body and a young gentleman from Dublin, Daniel O'Leary, whose uncle was the Captain of the Guard here in Leinster House, was one of its leaders.

This problem went under the radar in the 1990s and perhaps in the first decade of the new millennium. It is a serious priority again now because of the economic state of this country, Europe and the world. While this issue is not confined to the US, I think there needs to be a focus on that country next week. I know the Tánaiste is committed to this issue. It will require an all-party effort. On a few occasions, this House and the other House have passed various motions of support for these people. Perhaps it is something we could consider doing again, particularly in advance of St. Patrick's Day. I support Senator Ó Murchú, as I believe everybody does. This must be and is a political priority for the Government, particularly the Tánaiste, over the coming weeks.