IRELAND’S UNDOCUMENTED ARE set to be discussed when the Foreign Affairs Committee meets with Minister for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton today.

Today’s meeting will also deal with issues such as the European Neighourhood Policy, the enlargement of the EU, as well as developments in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Deputy Pat Breen, said that “the status of undocumented Irish in the United States is an issue of interest and concern for our Committee.”

The committee is due to receive an update from the Irish Abroad Unit on America’s plan for immigration reform and how this could potentially improve the position of undocumented Irish. Breen added:

Due to their status, many undocumented Irish are unable to return home for funerals, family occasions, to visit sick or elderly relatives and friends or even for holidays.

Breen also said that he welcomed the chance to discuss the European Neighbourhood Policy, along with the “EU’s relationship with neighbouring countries, as well as considering the EU’s enlargement agenda and the accession process of prospective new member States and developments in the OSCE.”

Read: Immigration law would end ‘hardship and uncertainty’ for undocumented Irish >