The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern, T.D., welcomes President Bush’s statement on immigration

Responding to President Bush’s remarks on immigration reform during his State of the Union address last night, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern, T.D. said:

“I warmly welcome President Bush’s strong support for the passage of comprehensive immigration reform legislation in the United States.  Mr Bush has consistently called for a humane and balanced solution to this sensitive issue.  His support for the enactment of legislation that would regularise the status of the undocumented is particularly encouraging.

The President’s statement will add significant momentum to the campaign to provide legal status to the undocumented, including thousands of Irish people.  It follows recent positive statements from the Senate Majority and Minority leaders who identified immigration reform as a key legislative priority for the period ahead.

The Government is determined to continue its active engagement on behalf of our people in the US who remain caught in the shadow of fear and uncertainty.  I am hopeful that real progress can be made in the coming months.  The Taoiseach and I  look forward to highlighting our concerns once again when we meet with President Bush and key members of Congress during the St Patrick’s Day period.  The support we have received from our many friends on Capitol Hill is deeply appreciated by the Government”.

Minister Ahern also emphasised his strong support for the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform.  “The ILIR’s lobbying campaign continues to have a very significant and positive impact in Congress.  I remain in close contact with its leaders and was pleased to provide $85,000 to assist an organisation which provides real hope to thousands of Irish people caught in such difficult circumstances”.

ENDS

24^th January 2007