Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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159. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contacts that he has had with key players on Capitol Hill in the US following the publication of the Outline of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18849/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I welcome the publication of the US Senate’s Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Bill which provides for reform of the US immigration system, which was published last week. It also provides for future flows of legal migration between Ireland and the US. The Bill is a very positive development which, if adopted, would help to end the great hardship and uncertainty faced by undocumented Irish in the US and their families here in Ireland. The inclusion of a new provision to allow several thousand Irish citizens to legally avail of employment opportunities in the US every year is also particularly welcome.

Both of these issues have been a key focus of my ongoing engagement with political leaders in the US, particularly during my visit to Washington D.C. over St. Patrick’s Day when I discussed them with Ireland’s key friends on Capitol Hill and in the Administration. The Government has maintained close contact since publication of the Bill with the key players through our Embassy in Washington. I am conscious that the overall issues involved are complex and sensitive ones within the US political system and that much further debate is likely to be required before the final shape of any overall legislation becomes clear.

The plight of the undocumented remains a top priority for Government and we have worked closely with the bi-partisan group of Senators and other legislators in the run-up to the publication of this Bill. The Government will continue to liaise closely with them and other key stakeholders in Congress and throughout the Irish-American community.