Written answers

Tuesday, 11 March 2008

Department of An Taoiseach

Official Engagements

8:00 pm

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Taoiseach the subjects he will raise with the US President during his visit to the United States over the St. Patrick's Day 2008 period; if one of these subjects will be the issue of the undocumented Irish; the recent communications his Department and officials have had from their counterparts in Washington DC on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10290/08]

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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During my forthcoming annual visit to the United States for St. Patrick's Day, I will have a bilateral meeting with President George Bush. During the course of the meeting, I expect to have discussions covering Northern Ireland, Immigration, International Relations and Economic Issues. As I reported to the Dáil when answering questions on 6 February last, I spoke with Senator Kennedy on 7 December when we discussed the issue of immigration in the United States and the undocumented Irish in particular. I emphasised to the Senator that the resolution of this issue has been, and will continue to be, a priority for the Government and I referred to the strong all-party support in this House on the issue.

I understand that the Minister for Foreign Affairs has also discussed this matter with the US Ambassador and reiterated the Government's strong support for a bilateral solution for our undocumented. In addition, our Ambassador and his Embassy colleagues in Washington are in ongoing discussions with Congressional, Administration and Irish community figures towards achieving a satisfactory resolution to this important issue.

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