Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. I congratulate him on his role.

The diaspora issue is especially close to my heart. As I understand it, a diaspora is the dispersion or gathering of a particular group of people from their original homelands to various parts of the world, especially in the world we live in now. This is often down to historical, political, social or economic factors. These displaced communities maintain a connection with their ancestral roots while also adapting to their new environments. The experiences of diasporic communities can be marked by a blend of cultural preservation and adoption as they navigate identity, belonging and the challenges of integrating in foreign lands. At the same time, the diaspora plays an essential role in fostering global networks, which in today's society and global upheaval is paramount. The Irish have travelled and settled in every corner of this world, and the Minister of State has nearly covered every corner already in his role.

Right now, my biggest fear is for the undocumented Irish in America who are participating in and promoting our diasporic communities and who are living in fear of deportation. I was one of those people. The network and the wraparound services that these diasporic communities give to their own are paramount and have to be supported. While I was living and working in America, one of the biggest incidents I recall, which is always in my head, was a profoundly good hurler who was integrated into the communities in New York. Unfortunately, he hit on hard times and died homeless in the subway. The one big story that stands out at this time is that the caregiver for President Donald Trump's mother emigrated to the US. This highlights the complexities of emigration and underscores the challenges faced by many who emigrate to and are working in the US.

Protecting undocumented Irish emigrants in America through the Irish diaspora can be approached by leveraging the collective influence, resources and networks of the diaspora. Given the figures, one could imagine that there are up to 100,000 who remain undocumented. The Irish diaspora, especially those who are now in the US, can leverage influence and advocate for reforms that would address the status of the undocumented Irish in America. I call on the Taoiseach to support our people on his trip to the White House to meet President Donald Trump and to urge that their contribution to US life be recognised and that they be granted access to the process of gaining citizenship.