Madam, - The apparent assumption by the Government that it can do nothing to assist the undocumented Irish in the United States, apart from appealing to the goodwill of President Bush and friendly congressmen, is mistaken.
It is based on the pre-Celtic Tiger notion that, while many Irish people want to live in America, few, if any, Americans want to live in Ireland.
There is no reason why Ireland should not suggest a reciprocal arrangement whereby, in return for the legalisation of undocumented Irish in the US, we would allow, say, 50,000 Americans to apply for visas to live and work in Ireland, irrespective of their backgrounds, but weighted in favour of people with specific skills or Irish relatives. (A sort of Morrison visa programme in reverse.) Apart from anything else, this would make a powerful statement to the American people that they are welcome here as visitors.
There is another practical consideration. Ireland is enriched by the immigration of recent years but it is a pity that, particularly on account of the 1986 Nationality Act, many highly educated young men and women who identify with this country and who could make an economic and social contribution to our society are excluded. - Yours, etc,
DENIS FAHEY, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.