Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 294: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the situation in regard to undocumented Irish citizens being detained in US prisons prior to deportation, that the average stay is 45 to 56 days, that many of the undocumented involved are traumatised as a consequence, and that they are required to serve sentences with persons on criminal convictions; if he will make contact with the United States citizenship and immigration services in respect of non-criminal detainees being deported promptly after arrests; his views on their plight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7192/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government attaches the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States and their welfare, like the welfare of all Irish citizens abroad, is a key priority for my Department. I am aware that concerns have been expressed concerning the length of detention of Irish citizens in the United States, prior to their deportation. While the official figures available to us indicate that the numbers of undocumented Irish being detained and deported have not increased significantly in recent years (see table), I can understand that the anxiety and stress which detention and deportation cause is very real.

Our Embassy and the Consulates in the United States provide consular assistance to Irish nationals who have been detained and who are awaiting deportation. Officials liaise closely with the relevant authorities in the U.S. and, where requested, with the detainee's family in Ireland, throughout the deportation process. The Embassy and Consulates seek to minimise the detention period, including by assuring US authorities that formal documentation can be provided without delay to enable departure. They have also, over the years, assisted in expediting the deportation process where there have been particular medical or other humanitarian issues. Our Ambassador in Washington has raised with the US authorities the issue of the detention and deportation of Irish citizens and requested that their particular circumstances be taken into account. In addition, through the Emigrant Support Programme, the Government provides funding to a number of organisations who work with the undocumented Irish in the United States, including those who have been detained and who are awaiting deportation.