Billy Lawless (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach selecting this Commencement Matter and welcome the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, to the House to discuss this important issue. These past few months have proved that we do indeed live in very uncertain times as witnessed by the Brexit result in the United Kingdom, the election of Donald Trump in the United States, and the recent referendum loss for the Italian Prime Minister. They have shown that a groundswell of popular discontent is brewing across the western world. In fact, some even see these wins as a turning point in western democracy itself and a rejection of so-called globalism, along with a return to isolationism and nationalism. The world appears more divided today. Marginal communities, be they immigrants, refugees, Muslims, LGBTQ or people of colour, are feeling unsafe and more afraid in many countries.

On this island we unfortunately understand only too well the dangers of a divided society. We live in a land that has witnessed centuries of bloodshed, social exclusion and emigration, yet today we constantly rank as one of the best places in which to live. I would argue that this is in no small measure due to the outward looking and welcoming nature of Irish people and our renewed desire to embrace and respect diversity. In recent times our ability to absorb and integrate so many new immigrants so quickly into the State is unprecedented in the modern era. It is reflective of our society's inclusive nature. Unfortunately, however, many of the 150,000 Irish immigrants living in the United States do not feel that same sense of welcome of late, and especially the 50,000 undocumented Irish.

The issue of immigration was front and centre in the recent controversial US presidential election campaign. The President-elect even called for mass deportations and a wall on the southern US border. America is a nation of immigrants and home to 40 million Irish Americans representing all shades of diversity and political opinion. The American people have spoken and Donald Trump will assume office next month as the 45th President of the United States. I can only hope that the great strides made in recent years to make the United States a more welcoming country for immigrants will be build on and not undone.

In my adopted home city of Chicago, Illinois, we have passed pro-immigrant legislation that protects families and reaffirms the contributions of all immigrants. The majority of the American people of all political persuasions have consistently shown in poll after poll that they support common sense immigration reform. The Taoiseach has raised the issue of the undocumented Irish and immigration reform with President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Pence. I welcome the Government's commitment to keeping this issue to the fore with the new administration.

I am also aware that our Ambassador to the United States, Anne Anderson, will host a meeting with Irish groups in Washington DC in mid-January to develop a comprehensive united strategy for the undocumented Irish. I ask the Minister of State what the Government's plans are concerning the undocumented Irish in the USA. I would like him to share with this House the Government's strategy to support Irish American community groups on the ground as well as the plans to engage with Irish America in this new era.