Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will be lobbying for the enacting of the McCain-Kennedy Bill for immigration reform in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8801/06]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the issue of the Kennedy-McCain Bill and the undocumented Irish with the President of the USA, Mr. George W. Bush, on 17 March 2006. [8891/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 298 together.

The Government attaches the highest priority to the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States. In all of our contacts with US political leaders we raise our concerns and emphasise the importance of addressing the situation in a positive and sympathetic way. The coming St. Patrick's Day period will provide a particularly valuable opportunity for the Taoiseach and me to discuss all aspects of the situation, including of course the Kennedy-McCain bill, with the President, his Administration and leading figures in Congress.

The Deputies can be assured that this timely and very valuable lobbying opportunity will be availed of to the full by both the Taoiseach and myself.