Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the Government's contact with the US Administration to support the Kennedy McCain Immigration Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33283/05]

Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent meetings in New York concerning undocumented Irish immigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33564/05]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to the US; the groups, organisations and political figures he met regarding the present status of undocumented Irish persons there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33092/05]

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress being made to assist the undocumented Irish in the United States of America; if he will report on his recent visit to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33270/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos 70, 74, 96 and 98 together.

The Deputies can be assured that the welfare of the undocumented Irish in the US is a matter of the highest priority for the Government. I would refer Deputies to the reply given by me earlier to the priority question on the same subject. In all our contacts with US political leaders, including when the Taoiseach and I met with President Bush in March, we emphasised the importance of addressing the situation in a positive and sympathetic way. In doing so, we of course appreciate that immigration is a highly divisive issue in the United States, in particular since the tragic events of 11 September 2001.

On my visit to New York and Boston last week, I stressed the high priority that the Government attaches to the welfare of the undocumented and the need to deal with immigration reform in an effective and sensitive way. In addition to Irish immigration groups and the Irish-American media, I also briefed the editorial board of the New York Times and former President Clinton on the situation. I wish to pay particular tribute to the understanding shown, and support with his contacts promised, by the former President. To further intensify our efforts, I will visit Washington later this month and strongly underline the priority the Government attaches to securing the desired reforms.

I would also like to express the Government's appreciation of the all-party support for the Government's efforts on behalf of the undocumented. Many Members of the Oireachtas, including Deputy Kenny who visited the US last week, have given generously of their time and resources to this important issue. The consensus in the Oireachtas was clearly demonstrated by the contribution of colleagues in both Houses during the debate on the all-party motion on this issue last month.

The legislative debate in Washington DC is entering a critical phase with various proposals under consideration, including the Bill jointly sponsored by Senators McCain and Kennedy. If this Bill were adopted in its present form, it would provide a path to permanent residency and, thereby enable the undocumented to participate in the life of their adopted country free from fear and uncertainty. The Government strongly supports this Bill and I have instructed the Washington Embassy and consulates to intensify their lobbying in support of it.

In addition to my commitment to advance the interests of the undocumented through legislative reform, I recently announced grants to Irish immigration centres in the US totalling US$915,000. This represented an increase of 40% on last year. I suggest that any Irish person in the US in need of guidance and support at this complex time of change should approach one of these centres. They provide a range of invaluable information and advisory services, and we are warmly appreciative of their work. While in New York last week, I again had the opportunity to see their work at first hand, and to convey our deep appreciation for it, as I know Deputy Kenny did, also.