US consultation on the amnesty
Gallagher asked whether the US had consulted Ireland on the amnesty and whether later arrivals could be included. Barry said the US did not discuss its legislation with Ireland, but Ireland had made representations to members of both congressional houses.
Did the US authorities consult with the Department of Foreign Affairs before deciding on the amnesty for all Irish citizens resident illegally in the United States prior to 1982? If they did not, will the Minister consider consulting with US officials with a view to including all Irish people who are in the US illegally?
Comment on this
The Deputy must not have been present when I answered that question earlier. Obviously the US Government would not discuss their legislation with us. It is their legislation and they put it through their legislation. However, we made representations to Members of both Houses about the legislation and pointed out to them the position of illegal immigrants. Congress decided to grant an amnesty to those who were in the United States up to 1982 and not those who arrived afterwards.