Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of embassy staff involved in lobbying the US Congress in relation to the undocumented Irish in the US and the need to protect Ireland's economic interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5123/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Embassy in Washington is comprised of the Ambassador and nine diplomatic staff who are dedicated to promoting and protecting Ireland's interests in the United States. Full attention is given to our economic interests and to the needs of Irish citizens, particularly those who are undocumented. Our Consulates General in New York, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco also engage actively on both issues on a daily basis. A total of ten officers are based at these Consulates. The economic work of our Missions is conducted in close consultation with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Bord Bia and other agencies.

I can assure the Deputy that our network of Missions in the US will continue to attach the highest priority to promoting Ireland's economic interests and will avail of every opportunity to urge that a solution be found for our undocumented citizens.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if consideration has been given or the work which has been carried out to date on drawing up a bilateral agreement with the USA to help regularise the undocumented Irish in the USA and the undocumented Americans here and to address the future immigration issues between both countries. [5124/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government attaches the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States.

In the absence, to date, of comprehensive immigration reform in the US, we have actively pursued a bilateral approach in this area, aimed at reforming our overall immigration arrangements with the United States and facilitating greater legal migration between the two countries. The approach has had three core objectives; a reciprocal Working Holiday Agreement (now operational); new bilateral arrangements to provide reciprocal long term working visas (known as E3s); and a solution for our undocumented.

The second objective, the provision of long term working visas similar to the E3 Visas available to Australian citizens, has already formed the basis for detailed discussions with senior Member of Congress over the past twelve months. A bilateral programme on long term working visas would represent a very significant step in the reform of our immigration arrangements with the US. The Deputy may wish to be aware, however, that the E3 visa arrangements for Australian citizens are not open to their undocumented in the US.

The third objective, finding a solution for the undocumented, remains an important priority for the Government. Ideally, the undocumented would be able to avail of the proposed E3 bilateral visa. However, if that is not possible — as many of our key contacts have already advised — then their best prospect for a solution lies with comprehensive immigration reform.

Immigration remains a divisive issue in the US Congress, and making progress in this area will continue to be challenging. In taking up the issue with the new US Administration and Congress, however, we are building on the extensive work on behalf of the undocumented that the Government has carried out over recent years with many of those now within the Administration, and in cooperation with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, to which we have provided funding of $235,000 since 2006.

The Taoiseach, I and other members of Government will use the unique opportunity afforded by the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the US to engage the new Administration at the very highest level on this issue. I am not aware of any significant concerns in relation to undocumented US citizens in Ireland.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 225: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if consideration has been given to setting up a dedicated Irish lobby group, involving supporters of Ireland, US based Irish business people and officials from his Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with the aim of lobbying for Irish interests on Capital Hill. [5125/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland and the United States enjoy close political, economic and cultural relations. Successive Presidents and their Administrations, and Ireland's many friends on Capitol Hill from both sides of the aisle, have made an enormous contribution to bringing peace and economic prosperity to this island. We enjoy in particular an excellent working relationship with the bi-partisan Friends of Ireland in Congress, chaired by Congressman Richie Neal, who continue to provide invaluable assistance and support to us on many issues.

The Government attaches the highest importance to strengthening and developing this unique relationship, including through the work of the Irish Embassy in Washington. The close cooperation between our two countries is underpinned by the network of relations with Members of Congress and their staff maintained by the Embassy and our Consulates in the United States. The Ambassador and his colleagues attach the greatest priority to their work in this area and coordinate closely with their counterparts in Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and other State agencies.

We are also fortunate to benefit from the experience and expertise of the members of the Taoiseach's Economic Advisory Group which was established in 1992 to engage corporate leaders in America to promote Ireland as an investment location and to respond to Irish American leaders' willingness to be identified with Irish issues. The Group has been a source of invaluable counsel and advice over the years, and the Government is extremely grateful for the significant contribution made by its distinguished members.

Reflecting the constantly changing character of the relationship, the Taoiseach last July initiated a review of Ireland/US relations with a view to ensuring that these are developed in the optimal manner. That work is well advanced and the Government will be considering the outcome of the review in the coming weeks.