Government Gives $50,000 To ILIR

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, T.D., announced on Monday that the Government is to provide an additional $50,000 to the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, which is campaigning for the undocumented Irish in the United States.

Speaking during his visit to New York, Minister Ahern said that the additional money will bring the total Government funding of the ILIR to $183,000 since its establishment in December 2005.

"Finding a resolution to the situation facing the undocumented Irish in the United States is a key priority for my Department," he said. "I have repeatedly stressed the urgency of this issue in all my contacts with members of Congress and with the U.S. Administration.

"I am availing of my visit to the U.S. this week to re-enforce these efforts at senior political level through discussions with members of the Administration and Congress, including Secretary of State Rice, Senator Kennedy and with the Friends of Ireland in Congress "As a nation we can't turn our backs on the undocumented Irish living in the shadows in the United States.

"Many of these people have set up home and have deep roots in the U.S., raising children and contributing to their community.

"I continue to hear sad stories of loneliness and separation from their siblings, parents and loved ones. We must do all we can to reunite these families."

Paying a warm tribute to ILIR the Minister said that "in a relatively short period of time, they have made a lasting positive impression on some of the most powerful and influential politicians in America and, working closely with the Government, have continued to highlight the plight of our undocumented".

Funding of $25,000 Announced For The Commodore John Barry Club Of Philadelphia

Minister Ahern also announced funding of $25,000 for the Commodore John Barry Club of Philadelphia.

The Club, commonly known as the Irish Club, serves as a venue for community and family events in Philadelphia, and as a base for a number of Irish organisations including County associations, GAA clubs and Irish music, dance and language groups.

The Club also has an extensive library on Irish literature and history.

Announcing the grant, the Minister said that he was "delighted to be able to support the Commodore John Barry Club of Philadelphia in their activities which, in addition to providing a valuable resource for the Irish community in Philadelphia, also serves to highlight the significant contribution that Irish emigrants have made to the history of the United States.

"The distinct experiences of the Irish who settled in the United States make a rich contribution to the fascinating history of the worldwide Irish Family.

"This is particularly true in the case of Commodore John Barry who was born in Wexford in 1745.

"Having gone to sea at an early age and following service in the War of Independence he went on to become the commander of the American Navy.

"President John F. Kennedy unveiled the Commodore Barry 'Father of the US Navy' statue on the quay in Wexford during his visit to Ireland in June 1963."

The Minister also paid tribute to the Irish community in Philadelphia, saying that he took "great satisfaction in the very significant and positive role" they play.

The Minister continued to emphasise the Government's firm commitment to supporting the interests of the Irish community abroad, saying that, "This commitment is reflected in the level of funding now available for Emigrant Services.

"I am pleased that the unprecedented amount of €15.16 million has been allocated for this purpose this year, an increase of 26% on 2006."