Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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181. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress, to date, in establishing a visa waiver scheme at the embassy of the United States of America in Dublin, for returning emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15238/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US is a priority for the Government in our contacts with the United States. Through our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the US, we continue to work closely with high level Government contacts and with many other individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond. All of this work is aimed at achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the United States and improved channels for legal migration between Ireland and America. Throughout his recent visit to the US and in a series of high level contacts with the US Administration, with Congress and at State level, the Taoiseach raised the issue of immigration reform and the plight of the undocumented Irish, stressing that almost every family in Ireland is related to or knows somebody who is caught up in this deeply distressing situation.

During his meeting with President Obama on 17 March the Taoiseach commended him on his executive action announced late last year. The Deputy would be aware that this action is currently the subject of legal proceedings in the US federal courts. The Taoiseach emphasised the need to allow the undocumented to come out of the shadows and be free to travel home for family events. He also highlighted the issue of those amongst the Irish undocumented who might be eligible forvisas, but who would be required to return to Ireland for their issuance and hence would require waivers for their prior period of undocumented residence.

The Taoiseach also pointed to the need for a legal pathway to allow for future Irish immigration to the US for those who wish to make a contribution there, expressing the hope that a political way forward could be found on this issue which would encourage progress on a comprehensive legislative package by Congress. President Obama spoke of his executive actions on immigration reform and acknowledged the contribution of Irish immigrants to America’s development. He considered that one of the great strengths of the United States had always been its willingness to welcome new immigrants to its shores.

I also raised immigration reform issues, including the possibility of immigration reform legislation and the question of visa waivers, when I met with Vice President Biden in Boston on 30 March. I have also had the opportunity to discuss these matters on a number of occasions with US Ambassador O’Malley.

In addition, the Taoiseach discussed immigration issues with Congressman Paul Ryan during his recent visit to Dublin on 30March.

The Government as a whole, including my Department in Dublin and our Embassy in Washington, will continue to actively follow up on all of the issues raised in recent contacts with the US Administration, with Congress and with the US Embassy in Ireland.