Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his official visit to the United States in March 2005; the discussions he had at the Irish Immigration Centre in Boston on 14 March 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13685/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I travelled to the United States from 11 to 18 March to represent the Government at St. Patrick's Day events in Boston before accompanying the Taoiseach to Washington. In Boston, I attended a number of promotional events hosted by Irish and Irish-American organisations and State agencies. In addition, I addressed the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government and European Studies Centre on current international issues and updated key contacts on inward investment and recent developments in Northern Ireland.

During my visit, I had a detailed meeting on immigration issues with four organisations in the Boston area, including the two main Irish immigration centres there. I greatly valued the opportunity to hear at first hand of their activities and experiences in providing information, advice and welfare services to Irish people resident there. We had a very useful discussion about issues of concern to undocumented Irish people. I briefed them on the establishment of the Irish abroad unit within my Department and the additional funding for emigrant services which I have secured for 2005. I was glad to hear that they warmly welcome these developments.

I also took the opportunity to express our deep appreciation for the support they make available to Irish people in the Boston area, particularly to the more vulnerable members of our community. I assured them that we will continue to encourage and support all measures that benefit Irish citizens, including through the ongoing efforts of the embassy and consulates and our contacts at the highest levels with political leaders in the United States.

In Washington, I accompanied the Taoiseach to meetings with President Bush and members of Congress. In addition, I met with US Deputy Secretary of State, Robert Zoellick, to discuss foreign policy issues including UN reform and the EU-US transatlantic relationship, as well as recent developments in Northern Ireland. During my visit, I also had a meeting with the National Security Advisor, Stephen Hadley.