Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 24: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the undocumented Irish in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12112/11]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 25: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had to date regarding the undocumented Irish in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12113/11]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 26: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will be raising the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States of America during the forthcoming visit of President Obama to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12114/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 to 26, inclusive, together.

Addressing the situation of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States are important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress.

I am encouraged by President Obama's continued commitment to addressing the question of immigration reform. Speaking as recently as 10 May, the President, in an address dedicated to the issue of immigration, reiterated his call for comprehensive reform of the system, and particularly called for the passage of the DREAM Act. Under the DREAM Act qualifying undocumented young people seeking to go to college or join the US military, and who were brought illegally to the US as children, would be eligible to seek regularisation of their status. The re-introduction of the DREAM Act to Congress on 11 May is a welcome development and can be seen as an initial step in the process.

I am very aware of the difficult situation facing those who are undocumented and living in the USA, as well as the distress caused to families in both Ireland and the US. The most realistic long term solution for our undocumented citizens remains through comprehensive immigration reform.

The inclusion of Ireland in an amended reciprocal E3 visa scheme, which would allow Irish people with a certain level of education to work in the US on a two year renewable visa, is the most effective way of creating new opportunities for Irish citizens in the USA. The introduction of such a scheme, which has attracted support from a number of members of Congress from both parties, will require the passage of legislation in Congress.

The successful passage of E3 visa legislation would strengthen the human bridge between the two countries, which underpins our excellent existing bilateral relations, and provide a mechanism for Irish nationals seeking to work in the USA in the future. It is the case, however, that the E3 would not provide a solution to the undocumented Irish in the US.

I discussed the issue of Irish immigration with Secretary of State Clinton during our meeting on 18 March and with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and the Coalition of Irish Centres in New York on 16 March. The Taoiseach raised the issue of the undocumented and the potential for the continued development of Ireland's migration arrangements with the US with President Obama during his St Patrick's Day visit to Washington. The Taoiseach also met with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform on 5 May during his recent visit to New York.

I am very aware of the enormous political challenges that face efforts to pass any immigration related legislations at the current time, including the E3 proposal. These difficulties were clearly demonstrated by the failure of efforts to pass the limited DREAM Bill at the end of 2010- a measure that had enjoyed strong public and political support.

The Taoiseach and I will meet with President Obama during the course of his visit to Ireland next week and I expect that immigration related issues will be raised in the course of that meeting.

My Department, and the Embassy in Washington in particular, will continue to work very actively on the issue with the US Administration, Congressional leaders and Irish immigration reform advocates.