Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 760: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has plans to meet with the new US President Barack Obama or his Administration to enter negotiations on a resolution to the case of the undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2324/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is strongly committed to trying to resolve the plight of the undocumented Irish in the United States. The fact that President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and other senior members of the new Administration have for some time been strong supporters of comprehensive immigration reform and of the undocumented Irish is very encouraging. Since the new year, there have also been helpful public indications that Senate Majority Leader, Senator Harry Reid, and Senator John McCain intend to support action in this area. However, as the Deputy will appreciate, the issue remains politically divisive in the US Congress and making progress will be challenging.

The pursuit of a solution for the undocumented will be a key element of our early contact with the new US Administration and Congress. The St. Patrick's Day period presents an ideal opportunity to engage the new Administration on this issue at the very highest level. Our Ambassador in Washington will also attach the highest priority to the matter in his ongoing contacts with the Obama Administration. More broadly, the Government is working to reform our overall migration arrangements with the United States. In addition to our work on behalf of the undocumented, the Government recently concluded a new Working Holiday Agreement with the United States and is working to secure the passage of legislation which would enable Irish citizens to avail of the E3 working visa currently open to Australians.