18/07/2008
Taoiseach To Focus On 'Undocumented Irish' In US
An Irish-American lobby group has said it believes Brian Cowen is more genuine in his commitment to helping illegal Irish immigrants than the previous Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern was.
Yesterday, the Premier announced the Government would be launching a new drive to resolve the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States. Mr Cowen was speaking in New York last night, as part of his official visit to the US.
The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR) said that while Mr Cowen understands the issues immigrants in America face, the group was left "hanging in the wind" by Mr Ahern.
After an hour long meeting with the Taoiseach, ILIR spokesman Ciaran Staunton said he believed a new era for relations with Dublin had begun. He said: "There is no comparison. Brian Cowen fully understands the issues."
Irish politicians had been campaigning for a special amnesty for illegal Irish immigrants after the United States congress failed to agree on a normalisation process for the millions of undocumented migrants in the US.
Mr Cowen, last night, said Ireland's political storyline was changing from one of "grievance" to one of "acceptance", and its links with the States needed to reflect this.
Referring to a deal which is in the pipeline to ease restrictions on US immigrants in return for concessions on the undocumented, Mr Cowen said it must be more pro-active and subsequently ease restrictions on working visas so that US citizens - in particular young people - can work in Ireland.
(JM/CD)
Yesterday, the Premier announced the Government would be launching a new drive to resolve the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States. Mr Cowen was speaking in New York last night, as part of his official visit to the US.
The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR) said that while Mr Cowen understands the issues immigrants in America face, the group was left "hanging in the wind" by Mr Ahern.
After an hour long meeting with the Taoiseach, ILIR spokesman Ciaran Staunton said he believed a new era for relations with Dublin had begun. He said: "There is no comparison. Brian Cowen fully understands the issues."
Irish politicians had been campaigning for a special amnesty for illegal Irish immigrants after the United States congress failed to agree on a normalisation process for the millions of undocumented migrants in the US.
Mr Cowen, last night, said Ireland's political storyline was changing from one of "grievance" to one of "acceptance", and its links with the States needed to reflect this.
Referring to a deal which is in the pipeline to ease restrictions on US immigrants in return for concessions on the undocumented, Mr Cowen said it must be more pro-active and subsequently ease restrictions on working visas so that US citizens - in particular young people - can work in Ireland.
(JM/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2014
US Moves To Protect Undocumented Immigrants
US President Barak Obama has introduced a series of measures to protect millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation. The news is expected to have a positive effect for the approximate 50,000 undocumented Irish immigrants living and working in the US.
US Moves To Protect Undocumented Immigrants
US President Barak Obama has introduced a series of measures to protect millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation. The news is expected to have a positive effect for the approximate 50,000 undocumented Irish immigrants living and working in the US.
07 December 2007
Kennedy And Ahern To Discuss Irish Immigrants
The status of undocumented Irish immigrants in the USA is to be the subject of discussions between the Irish Taoiseach and US Senator Ted Kennedy, this afternoon.
Kennedy And Ahern To Discuss Irish Immigrants
The status of undocumented Irish immigrants in the USA is to be the subject of discussions between the Irish Taoiseach and US Senator Ted Kennedy, this afternoon.
28 May 2008
Government 'Working To Secure Special Deal For Illegal Irish'
The Taoiseach has told the Dáil the Government is doing all it can to broker legal status for Irish immigrants living and working illegally in the United States.
Government 'Working To Secure Special Deal For Illegal Irish'
The Taoiseach has told the Dáil the Government is doing all it can to broker legal status for Irish immigrants living and working illegally in the United States.
07 October 2014
'Deep Dysfunction' In Government Over Irish Water
The comments of former Minister Fergus O'Dowd, who described the set-up of Irish Water as an "unmitigated disaster", point to a "deep dysfunction" in the establishment of the company, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment, Barry Cowen, has said.
'Deep Dysfunction' In Government Over Irish Water
The comments of former Minister Fergus O'Dowd, who described the set-up of Irish Water as an "unmitigated disaster", point to a "deep dysfunction" in the establishment of the company, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment, Barry Cowen, has said.
24 January 2011
Eire's Attraction For Investment 'Undiminished'
Despite the ongoing political turmoil, former Fianna Fail leader Brian Cowen has claimed Ireland's ability to attract Foreign Direct Investment is "undiminished".
Eire's Attraction For Investment 'Undiminished'
Despite the ongoing political turmoil, former Fianna Fail leader Brian Cowen has claimed Ireland's ability to attract Foreign Direct Investment is "undiminished".
-
Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.