Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to his recent visit to America, the progress which has been made on the legislative process in relation to the undocumented Irish in the United States; the persons he met with regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37053/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The welfare of undocumented Irish people in the US is a matter of the highest priority for the Government. In all our contacts with US political leaders, including when the Taoiseach and I met with President Bush earlier in the year, we emphasise the importance of addressing the situation of this vulnerable section of our community in a positive and sympathetic way. In doing so, we recognise that immigration is a highly sensitive and divisive issue in the United States, in particular since the tragic events of 11 September 2001.

My recent visit to New York and Boston included meetings with 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. The former president showed a deep understanding of the issue and promised to convey his supportive views, including those on the Kennedy-McCain Bill, to his wide range of contacts.

As the Deputy will be aware from the briefing that I have circulated to all Members of the Oireachtas, the legislative debate in the United States on immigration is entering a critical phase. Various proposals are under consideration at present. The Bill jointly sponsored by Senators McCain and Kennedy, to which I have already referred, is particularly attractive as it would offer the undocumented a path to permanent residency. I was pleased that both Houses of the Oireachtas strongly supported it recently.

I will have an opportunity later this week in Washington, including at a meeting with the Secretary of State, Ms Condoleezza Rice, to put forward the Government's thinking on the need to resolve satisfactorily the position of the undocumented. I will also review the overall prospects for legislative reform with Senator Edward Kennedy, and will express our appreciation of his exceptional efforts on this issue in Congress.