Costello, Joe

Undocumented Irish in the USA

I also availed of the J1 visa when I was a student and I found it very useful and valuable. We would certainly like to protect it and it should not be undermined in any way.

Undocumented Irish in the USA (Continued)

The Government fully supports the valuable opportunity the Jl summer work and travel programme provides for Irish students who wish to work and travel in the United States during the summer period....

As the Deputy will be aware, the welfare of the Irish abroad has been a top priority for successive Governments. In particular, the plight of the undocumented Irish in the United States has been...

I very much welcome the vote last week by the United States Senate to approve a Bill that provides for comprehensive reform of the American immigration system. That is a very positive developmen...

I do not think it is my telephone.

Earlier versions of the Bill and some amendments sought to make changes to the Jl summer programme. These changes would have included the classification of Jl summer participants as "foreign lab...

My understanding is that J1 visas will operate on the same basis, namely, that no employment is required prior to departure to the United States. Furthermore, the Bill now moves on to the House of...

We wish to resolve the situation for undocumented Irish emigrants and to ensure that through the resolution there is no negative effect on J1 summer visas, in particular for students travelling t...

Abortion Services (Continued)

The allegations referred to by the Deputy, if true, are naturally of concern to all EU member states. The European External Action Service, EEAS, of the EU has sought clarification of the situatio...

At a press conference in Tanzania yesterday, President Obama emphasised the importance of the US's relationship with Europe and gave a firm undertaking to examine these allegations and to provide...

The House will appreciate that it is not the practice to comment in detail on surveillance and security issues and that the Minister for Justice and Equality has primary responsibility in this ar...

The relationship between the US and Europe continues to be of vital strategic, political and economic importance. We share a common strong commitment to fundamental human rights, democracy and t...

Together, the EU and US account for almost half of global GDP and 30% of global trade. Important progress was made during Ireland's Presidency of the European Union towards the achievement of gr...

Ireland continues to enjoy a close bilateral political and economic relationship with the US, underpinned by the extensive connections between our two peoples. Today, some 500 US companies emplo...

I agree with the Deputy's remarks in that respect. The Government and the EU responded rapidly to the allegations. I welcome the fact the High Representative immediately sought clarification and ...

As I mentioned when replying on the subject of J1 visas, the Tánaiste will be in Washington next week. I do not doubt that this issue will be on the agenda when he meets various representatives ...

Humanitarian Aid

The tragic crisis unfolding in Syria and in neighbouring countries has resulted in enormous humanitarian needs requiring an urgent response from the international community. As the number of fatali...

  Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 154.

Overseas Development Aid Provision

Ireland is a long-standing supporter of pro-poor agricultural research in developing countries through our overseas development programme, Irish Aid. I am gratified that the international donor com...

Environment and climate change challenges are at the heart of Ireland’s contribution, through our aid programme, to the fight to end extreme poverty and hunger in the world. Through Ireland’s deve...