Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 371: 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 the US politicians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16836/07]

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 372: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he will take to assist the undocumented Irish following the failure of the US Emigration Bill to gain Senate approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17000/07]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 375: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the issue relating to the undocumented Irish in the United States of America; the contacts he is maintaining in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17125/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 371, 372 and 375 together.

The Government attaches the highest priority to the welfare of the undocumented Irish in the United States, and takes every opportunity in contacts with US political leaders to emphasise the importance of addressing this matter in a sympathetic and pragmatic manner.

Immigration reform is one of the most contentious and high profile political issues in the US. Only a bipartisan solution can succeed in reforming the immigration system. However, it is clear that securing the necessary bipartisan consensus on this complex and divisive matter remains a very considerable challenge.

There is strong awareness on Capitol Hill of the Irish dimension to the undocumented issue. Our Ambassador in Washington is extremely active in highlighting our concerns, as are officials of our Consulates across the United States. The Taoiseach and I, as well as members of the Oireachtas, have raised the issue with key figures in the US Administration and on Capitol Hill, and have made known our strong support for measures that would be of benefit to the undocumented Irish. Our sustained political contacts have been strengthened by the mobilisation of the Irish community behind the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, a highly effective organisation which we are happy to support, including financially.

On May 17th, a bipartisan coalition of US Senators, including Senator Kennedy, reached what has been characterised as a "grand compromise" on comprehensive immigration reform. Very regrettably however, it did not prove possible to move the bill to a final vote on this occasion.

Following a meeting on June 12th between President Bush and Republican Senators, and a subsequent announcement by the President of his support for a $4.4 billion initiative on strengthening border security, the Democratic Leader in the Senate and his Republican counterpart announced that the bill is being brought back to the Senate floor. In this regard, a vote is expected to be taken today to determine whether debate will be resumed on the Bill. The Government will continue to lobby actively for a favourable outcome in the critical period ahead.