Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the appointment of a new US ambassador to Ireland. I hope this will accelerate progress on the ongoing issue of immigration reform in the United States now that we will have somebody in place in the Phoenix Park who will be able to act as a conduit not only for the Government but also the wider Irish public. This is an issue that may seem to be under the radar, but it is just as hurtful and painful in its own way as many of the other issues raised in the House across the panoply of political activity. I emphasise this is not about striking a separate deal for the Irish, given that some commentators seem to have completely misinterpreted the position, rather it is about comprehensive immigration reform from which I hope the Irish would benefit. I applaud the actions of both the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach in this regard since they took office in that they have kept the issue high on the agenda. I have always believed the absence of an ambassador in situhere at a critical time in Irish-US relations, at a time when discussions on immigration reform were ongoing between Republicans and Democrats, would create a vacuum. Now that we will have somebody in place, I suggest on behalf of this House the Leader write to the incoming ambassador to congratulate him on his appointment and wish him well but also to point out that comprehensive immigration reform is a key issue for all sides of the House and one which we hope will be progressed as soon as possible.