Ceann Comhairle Welcomes Friends of Ireland US Congressional Delegation Pledge of Support

Posted on 30/06/09 by John O’Donoghue The Chairman of the "Friends of Ireland," Congressman Richie Neal, has today offered the group's support to the case of the undocumented Irish in the United States and pledged to further assist efforts to foster economic relations between the US and Ireland.

Ceann Comhairle, John O'Donoghue TD, who today co-chaired bi-lateral talks between the Friends of Ireland Congressional Delegation and the Irish Parliamentary delegation, expressed his strong support for the group's initiative.

Congressman Neal is leading a delegation of United States Congressmen in a visit to Ireland from 27 June - 4 July. During their visit they are meeting with the Ceann Comhairle, President, Taoiseach, Tánaiste and the Party Leaders. They also met with leaders of the Ulster Political Research Group yesterday.

Ceann Comhairle, John O'Donoghue TD said;
"I am pleased that these bilateral talks facilitate a greater understanding of important issues that concern our two countries. One such issue is the undocumented Irish who find themselves in a very difficult position in the United States.

Many have settled there but, unable to return home, they have been separated from their families and their homes for many years. I am particularly pleased that the Friends of Ireland Congressional Delegation have pledged their support to this important issue. Their commitment to advance the case of undocumented Irish in America is very important and much appreciated".

The talks centred on the case of the undocumented Irish in the US, the Northern Ireland Peace Agreement, Ireland-US relations, International Fund for Ireland and the World Financial Crisis.

Congressman Neal said;
"The need for a strong relationship between Ireland and the US is now more important than ever. Both our countries are going through unprecedented financial challenges and it is only through working together and fostering greater economic links that we can come through this situation.

The Friends of Ireland Congressional Group has a long tradition of cultivating and supporting links between Ireland and the US, and during our meetings with the Ceann Comhairle, Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Party Leaders we have undertaken to continue this support.

We have also agreed to advance the case of the thousands of undocumented Irish in the US. Many of these people have made lives for themselves in America and contribute positively to the communities they live in. We feel a way must be found to accommodate the needs of this group of people."

Speaking on the recent announcement of decommissioning by Loyalist paramilitaries Congressman Neal added:
"Our group met with members of the Ulster Political Research Group yesterday. The decommissioning announcement from major paramilitary organisations is an historic milestone I strongly look forward to working with these organisations in the future to help create a brighter more prosperous future for the people of Northern Ireland.

The Friends of Ireland is a group of United States Congressmen which promotes Irish interests in the US Houses of Representatives and helps to foster trade and cultural links between Ireland and the US.

The US delegation was invited by the Ceann Comhairle and the visit has been arranged by the Irish Parliamentary Association.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local Deputy Charlie O'Connor pictured at Leinster House with, (from left to right), Congressman Mike Doyle and Congressman Richie Neal, chairman of the US Congress Friends of Ireland. Deputy O'Connor took the opportunity to discuss with the visiting delegation the plight of the undocumented Irish.