Written answers

Thursday, 10 November 2011

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Emigrant Support Services

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 42: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any progress has taken place with a view to regularising the position of undocumented Irish in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33797/11]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Addressing the situation of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States remain important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. The Taoiseach and I discussed these issues 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.

I also discussed the issue of Irish immigration with Secretary of State Clinton during our meeting on 18 March and with Senator Patrick Leahy, Chair of the Senate Judiciary committee when I met him in Dublin on 3 June. I met with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and the Coalition of Irish Centres in New York on 23 September. The Government has provided almost $365,000 to support that organisation since 2006, including $40,000 this year.

Acting on my behalf, our Embassy in Washington continues to engage on an ongoing basis with the US Administration at various levels and with both parties in the US Congress.

The introduction of a new Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill in the Senate on 22 June last is a welcome development. This Bill which has been brought by senior Democrats including Senators Harry Reid, Charles Schumer, and Robert Menendez is similar to that introduced in the previous Congress and, once again, includes provision for a new E-3 visa for Ireland. While Senator Menendez has indicated that in circulating the bill he aimed to provide a framework for debate and negotiations, the continued inclusion of the E-3 for Ireland in the Bill represents an important achievement for the Government and the Irish community.

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. However, and while we continue to press for such a scheme, including with members of Congress, any efforts to pass immigration-related legislation in the current US domestic political climate would face considerable challenges.

I am also conscious that the E3 would not provide a solution to the difficulties faced by the undocumented Irish in the US and their families here in Ireland.

I wish to assure the Deputy that I and my Department, particularly the Embassy in Washington, will continue to work very actively on highlighting the situation of the undocumented Irish in the US in our contacts with the US Administration, Congressional leaders and Irish immigration reform advocates, and work towards identifying positive outcomes on their behalf.

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