Dermot Ahern Continues To Press For Deal For The Undocumented

Speaking in Washington, Minister Ahern said he would be following up on the strong remarks made by the Taoiseach in his address to the Joint Houses of Congress.

Minister Ahern said: "I have always used every possible opportunity when in the United States to press the case for solving the issue of our undocumented.

"Later today I will be meeting with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and with leaders on Capitol Hill.

"Essentially my task will be to find out how soon we can pick up the pieces from the efforts made at Congress to bring in comprehensive legislation which would remedy the situation.

"We are doing intense work on the ground here which will allow us to maximize all opportunities to find a successful solution to this issue.

"I intend to continue to work closely with Congress, the Administration and the Irish lobby group to press the case for the undocumented Irish.

"The fact the Taoiseach highlighted the issue during his speech and the response from those present, has assisted in placing the undocumented Irish firmly back on the Congress agenda," he concluded.