Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 20: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date on resolving the issue of the undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13921/11]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 27: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has pursued the issue of an E3 visa arrangement with the US; and the number of Congress members he has met with on this issue. [13920/11]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 31: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the issue of the estimated 50,000 undocumented Irish was raised with President Obama during his recent visit here; his views that the E3 visa as it stands is not a solution to the undocumented problem; and the way he proposes to address the issue. [13722/11]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 37: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the initiatives he has taken on the undocumented Irish in the US since his appointment. [13919/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any progress is likely to address the issue of the undocumented Irish in the US; the estimated number of such Irish at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14083/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 27, 31, 37 and 45 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. The Taoiseach and I discussed the question of Irish immigration with President Obama when we met with him on 23 May in Dublin. Responding to our concerns, the President expressed his interest in achieving progress on immigration issues.

I also 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 when in New York. Acting on my behalf, the Embassy of Ireland in Washington continues to engage with leaders in Congress, from both parties, on an ongoing basis. I look forward to meeting with Senator Patrick Leahy, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow and raising these issues with him.

I am encouraged by President Obama's continued commitment to addressing the question of immigration reform. Speaking on 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.

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. We continue to press for such a scheme, including with members of Congress. It is the case, however, that the E3 would not provide a solution to the undocumented Irish in the US.

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