Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to undocumented Irish people living in America; the meetings planned in this regard during his forthcoming visit for St. Patrick's Day; the US politicians he will be meeting during his visit; if this issue will be discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8601/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 343: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to undocumented Irish people living in America; the discussions that have taken place in this regard recently between the Government and United States politicians; the meetings planned in this regard during forthcoming visits by Irish officials for St. Patrick's Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8595/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 341 and 343 together.

The high priority that the Government attaches to the welfare of the undocumented Irish is underlined in all of our dealings with key political leaders in the United States. Our Ambassador in Washington is extremely active, on an ongoing basis, in highlighting our concerns, as are officials of our Consulates across the United States. We, of course, maintain very close contact with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, which we are very happy to support financially.

The present position is that Senator Kennedy and Senator McCain are expected to publish a new bill very shortly. This will revise and update their previous bill which lapsed with the end of the old Congress at the start of 2007 and, if enacted, would enable the vast majority of undocumented Irish to regularise their status. While the tabling of proposals will represent a most welcome development, securing majority support on this sensitive issue in both Houses of Congress remains a formidable challenge.

The coming St. Patrick's Day period will provide the Taoiseach and myself with a particularly valuable and timely opportunity to convey again our strong views to key players in the Administration and on Capitol Hill, including President Bush. Our efforts in this regard will have the highest priority during our visit.

I look forward to a further intensification of the Government's efforts on behalf of the undocumented in the critical period ahead.