REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE IRISH IMMIGRATION AND PASTORAL CENTRE, SAN FRANCISCO
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MCALEESE AT THE IRISH IMMIGRATION AND PASTORAL CENTRE, SAN FRANCISCO, FRIDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2008
Dia dhíbh a chairde Gael ‘s a chairde d’Eireann. How are you all? Martin and I thank you so much for that warm and truly generous welcome.
Thank you too for inviting me to come here to experience at first hand the work of the Irish Immigration and Pastoral Centre, this place which, since its establishment in 1997, has given wonderful service to the Irish community. I know of the high regard that Donegal-born Fr Brendan McBride and Celine Kennelly from Kerry are held in by the entire community, no more so than by all those who work with them. Tonight I want to express my profound thanks for your work on behalf of our Irish Community in the Bay Area.
For too many years Ireland’s national psyche was scarred by the haemorrhaging of generations of its young through emigration. Shattered communities throughout Ireland were left bereft of the energy and creativity, talent and genius of so many who left in search of opportunities Ireland could not provide for them.
We are mindful not to forget the pain of loss and loneliness suffered by those who were forced to leave our shores in search of opportunity and those they left behind. For without the sacrifices and achievements of our emigrants, the confident, modern Ireland of today would perhaps not have been possible.
Irish people have a special connection with the United States. The enormous contribution made by generations of Irish emigrants to the development of this great nation is something all Irish people should take pride in. Today, our relationship is evolving - it is no longer defined primarily by the emigrant experience. In the twenty-first century, our two countries are building a strong and mutually beneficial partnership, particularly in the economic field where our ties are stronger than ever before and in the pursuit of peace where help from the United States has been so crucial.
However, our undocumented community in the United States are largely removed and marginalised from these new positive developments. I am deeply conscious that there are many within the Irish community in this city who are caught in this situation. So many of the undocumented Irish have lived in the US for many years and, like generations of previous Irish emigrants, they work hard, raise families and make an important contribution to the economic and social life of their communities. And yet, they live in the shadows of society with fear and uncertainty as their constant companions. Most, we know, also suffer greatly from the pain of not being able to travel to and from Ireland because of the difficulties of re-entry.
Their situation is not always well understood or empathised with. Yet many arrived in the U.S. long before the appalling events of 9/11 when border security and enforcement was not as high a priority as they understandably are now. Meanwhile they got jobs, met partners, got married, raised families and put down roots in an adopted homeland that they had grown to love dearly. Some very committed people have championed their cause and the Irish government has used every possible opportunity to advocate on their behalf and will continue to do so. Efforts are also ongoing to reform our own wider migration arrangements with the United States in a way that complements the modern nature of our relationship. The recently concluded Working Holiday Agreement will enable thousands of young Irish and US citizens to work and travel in each other’s country for up to 12 months.
In recent years, the Irish State and its people have moved in significant ways to recognise the debt owed to our emigrant communities here and around the world and to develop a more structured relationship with our global family. Perhaps this willingness to recognise is best demonstrated by the amendment to Article 2 of the Irish Constitution which now states “the Irish nation cherishes its special affinity with people of Irish ancestry living abroad who share its cultural identity and heritage”.
This sense of recognition has been enhanced by the development of new Government structures and resources aimed at communities abroad, particularly those most in need. In 2004, the Irish Abroad Unit was established in the Department of Foreign Affairs with a remit to focus entirely on matters relating to our emigrants and to invest in Irish communities throughout the world. Irish government funding for our communities in the United States and elsewhere has now reached unprecedented levels. This year alone, the Government has provided almost $5million to Irish organisations in this country.
The impact of globalisation and new technologies continues to transform the relationship between Ireland and its community in the US. Relatively affordable air travel has meant that more and more people of Irish descent are able to visit and connect with the place of their birth or the place of their ancestors.
The technologies of the modern world combined with the enduring sense of connection felt by so many in the United States and around the world towards Ireland has the potential to open new and exciting opportunities for the relationship between Ireland and its global family. Today, we in Ireland and our communities abroad have a unique chance to come together and to forge a partnership capable of overcoming many of the challenges of the 21st century and perhaps the most fitting way to pay tribute to those emigrants who sacrificed so much in the past is to seize this opportunity.
But your work here of individual care is the most important work of all for it is here that people experience a deep sense of belonging, of not being among strangers but among friends and family. That is a longstanding Irish tradition and one that helped many an emigrant through the tough, testing and lonely times.
Thank you for all you do here in the cause of others and may your efforts be vindicated by the lives you touch and enhance.
Is iontach an obair atá ar súil agaibh anseo. Go raibh míle, míle maith agaibh.