Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. It is great to see him here today. As he alluded to, it is estimated that approximately 70 million people around the world claim Irish heritage or ancestry, as well as the 1.2 million Irish-born citizens living abroad. Fianna Fáil recognises the importance of the diaspora and the need to maintain and build positive relationships with the millions of people of Irish descent around the globe.

Fianna Fáil was the first political party to appoint a spokesperson on the Irish overseas and the diaspora, and subsequently to form policy in that regard. Fianna Fáil is committed to supporting the diaspora through continued funding of the emigrant support programme. The Minister of State has detailed where much of the money from the programme has been spent. We support, in principle, extending voting rights to Irish citizens abroad in presidential elections. Much work was done in 2013 on the issue but progress appears to have come to a halt. It is something we should try to develop further.

I note there are legal, political and policy implications involved but we continue to advocate for the undocumented in the United States and we are committed to maintaining a Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora.

The diaspora is a rich resource and a huge benefit to Ireland. Maintaining and building upon our engagements with the diaspora is a core element of Fianna Fáil foreign policy. New technologies and the rise of global media have increased connectivity with the diaspora. That forges the opportunity to engage more than ever before and share ideas, knowledge and influence beyond the physical borders of the island of Ireland.

The diaspora is of significant importance to this country culturally, politically and economically and can help to foster good bilateral relationships with other nation states. While we gain so much from the diaspora it is important that the diaspora is supported by the Government and continues to feel the benefits from our continued friendship and support.

My greatest fear in this regard relates to the undocumented Irish in America because they account for the largest group within the diaspora at present that is in such a quandary. I hope with all the politicking that has gone on in recent weeks that the Taoiseach will focus on the priority of the nation.This is one of the biggest crises facing our nation. Some of President Trump's statements about undocumented people are quite alarming, particularly in the Irish scenario. We were one of the forefathers of the building of the United States, and that link should not now be broken. Our undocumented migrants in the US are all there to work, and they are all working hard. They are not there for a free ride.

I ask the Leader to press on the Taoiseach, as he travels to America, that this is a serious concern to Ireland. If the Taoiseach is to do anything over the next few months, apart from appearing in the newspapers for other reasons, this should be a priority.