James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if progress has been made in obtaining an amnesty for illegal Irish living in the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34265/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware from recent debates and responses to questions in the House, that the welfare of the undocumented Irish in the US is a matter of the highest priority for the Government. In all our contacts with United States political leaders, including when the Taoiseach and I met with President Bush earlier in the year, we emphasise the importance of addressing the situation in a positive and sympathetic way. However, I would like once again to make clear, and I believe all Members of the Oireachtas who have visited the US on this issue have received the same message, that the issue of an amnesty is simply not on the agenda in the US Congress, or with the administration.

The position at present is that the legislative debate in Washington D.C. 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 embassy and consulates to intensify their lobbying in support of it.