Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there has been any recent discussions in relation to immigration reform between the Irish and American Governments, specifically regarding the status of the illegal Irish in the United States. [44825/12]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 23 of 11 July 2012, 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. [45009/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 61 together.

The welfare of the Irish abroad is a very important priority for the Government. There are particular concerns in the United States where addressing the position of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements are priorities for the Government in its contacts with the US Administration and Congress.

The Government’s keen interest in a resolution of the situation for undocumented Irish migrants is well recognised and accepted by our contacts within US Administration and Congress. Their advice to us remains that comprehensive reform of the US immigration system and procedures is likely to be the only manner by which this can be achieved.

With a view to building some positive momentum around immigration issues, we have focused our efforts on enabling Irish people to apply for E-3 temporary U.S. work visas. The passage of existing draft legislation by Congress to extend this scheme to Irish citizens would make up to 10,500 E-3 visas available each year. The level of support achieved to date for this draft legislation among members of Congress is encouraging. However, further progress will have to await the outcome of the Presidential and Congressional elections in November.

Through our Embassy in Washington, the Government will continue to work closely with our friends in Congress and with Irish-American community representatives and ensure that every opportunity is taken to put an E-3 visa scheme in place. I met with Irish community lobby groups for immigration reform during my visit to New York in September and discussed this issue in some detail with them. We agreed to continue to work together on this important endeavour.