Minister Noel Treacy, T.D., travels to US to step up campaign on behalf of the undocumented Irish

Mr Noel Treacy T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, travels to the US tomorrow to reiterate the high priority the Government attaches to the welfare of the undocumented Irish at the Annual Conference of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres in Boston.

Minister Treacy said:

“The Government has been raising our concerns about the undocumented Irish in all contacts with US political leaders, including when the Taoiseach and Minister Dermot Ahern met with President Bush on St. Patrick's Day.  The Government's engagement is complemented most effectively by the very significant mobilisation of the Irish community in the US.  In the critical period ahead, the Government will step up our campaign and continue to emphasise our strong support for measures that would allow the undocumented Irish to regularise their status.”

Minister Treacy said that he was looking forward to meeting representatives of the Irish immigration centres from across the US at this critical time. US legislators are this week considering legislative proposals on immigration reform. 

Funding for Immigration Conference

Announcing Government funding of $35,000 for the Annual Conference of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres on Friday 7 April, Minister Treacy added:

“The Irish immigration centres, which receive strong financial support from the Irish Government, offer a range of valuable support services for our community in the US.  They are at the heart of their local Irish communities and have a first-hand appreciation of the issues that impact on the welfare of the Irish in the US, including the particular concerns of the undocumented.  I look forward to hearing more about these concerns and will brief the Government on my return.  In this way, we can remain fully informed of the situation on the ground in the US and continue to assist in progressing this vital issue” concluded Minister Treacy.

ENDS+++

Press Office

5th April 2006

Note for Editors

The Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres is the body which represents the network of Irish Immigration Centres across the US.  The grant announced today is towards the costs of the Coalition's 2006 Annual Conference.

Particular focus will be given at this year's Conference to the legislative debate on immigration reform underway in the US Congress.  Conference delegates will also discuss how Centres in the Coalition network can enhance the services they provide on immigration issues, outreach programmes to elderly emigrants and programmes addressing the specific needs of the more vulnerable members of the Irish community in the US.

The Irish Immigration Centres offer a range of welfare information and advisory services to Irish people in the US.  In recognition of the value of their services, last year the Minister announced grants to the centres amounting to US$915,000.

Further information on the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres can be obtained from:

Sheila Gleeson, Executive Director

Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres

Email: sgleeson.ciic@rcn.com

Tel: (00 1) 617-987-0193