Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 84: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures he has taken to assist the undocumented Irish in the US since his election to office; and the plans he has put in place to follow through on this issue. [15090/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

Most recently, I raised these issues with Senator Patrick Leahy, Chair of the Senate Judiciary committee when I met him in Dublin on 3 June.

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 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.

We are also providing practical assistance to Irish community reform advocates and organisations providing key welfare, information and immigration advisory services to the more marginalised members of the Irish community in the USA, including the undocumented. In 2010, through the Emigrant Support programme, €1,292,306 was provided to the main welfare and reform advocate organisations across the USA.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 85: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the financial assistance that has been given to help organisations that support the homeless Irish in Britain; and if additional funding will be available in the current year. [15092/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As I have previously stated, the Emigrant Support Programme, administered by my Department, provides funding to non-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and to facilitate the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish. The strong emphasis of the Programme is on supporting culturally sensitive, frontline welfare services, which are targeted at the most vulnerable members of our overseas communities, including the elderly and homeless. These services have made a substantive difference to the lives of Irish people living abroad, particularly in Britain and the United States, through reducing homelessness, tackling social isolation, and enabling Irish emigrants to access their local, statutory entitlements. Since 2004, approximately €58million has been awarded to support Irish organisations in Britain. Last year alone, some 128 British-based organisations received over €8.1 million under the Emigrant Support Programme.

Fourteen of the British based organisations funded under this programme deal specifically with Irish citizens affected by homelessness and received funding of €857,000 in 2010. In addition, many other Irish welfare organisations receive significant funding for projects of benefit to homeless Irish persons.

My Department, in consultation with the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee, is currently assessing applications for funding under the 2011 grant round for projects based in Britain and organisations will be notified of the outcome in July. Despite the difficult budgetary situation facing the country, I am determined to maintain a significant level of funding for frontline services in Britain and elsewhere that address the needs of our most vulnerable emigrants. A full list of all organisations funded through the Emigrant Support Programme since 2006 is available on www.dfa.ie.