Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 266: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs what recent contacts he has had with the United States Government regarding the introduction of legislation to enable 50,000 or so undocumented Irish people in the US to work legally in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12815/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The number of Irish people who may be resident in the United States without the appropriate authorisation is difficult to estimate. I do not know how the Deputy arrived at the figure he cites. While the US authorities estimate that the number may have declined to 3,000 in 2000, many of the organisations working with our emigrants would regard this as a low estimate. No one, however, is in a position to be precise.

The circumstances of undocumented Irish people in the United States are raised on an ongoing basis in our bilateral contacts with US political leaders. Most recently, the issue was raised when the Taoiseach and I met President Bush on St Patrick's Day. During our meeting, the President reaffirmed his commitment to work with Congress on immigration reform. The Taoiseach and I welcomed this commitment and emphasised the importance of addressing the situation in a positive and sympathetic way.

During the St. Patrick's Day period, I also had a detailed meeting on immigration issues with four organisations in the Boston area, including the two main Irish immigration centres there. I commend the role and work of the immigration centres in the United States in particular the support, information and advice they make available to our communities there. Funding by my Department to these organisations increased by 83% last year. The substantial increase in funding which I have secured for emigrant services in 2005 will enable further support to be given to them this year.

The issues of our undocumented citizens and immigration reform have the highest priority for the Government. Through the ongoing efforts of our embassy and the contacts of the Taoiseach, Cabinet colleagues and me with political leaders in the United States, we will continue to encourage and support all measures that benefit Irish citizens.