Taoiseach Meets Irish Community Leaders in New York - Comments on Immigration Reform

The Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen TD, tonight concluded a visit to New York City by meeting Irish community leaders in New York.
 
The Taoiseach attended a reception at the Irish Consulate on Park Avenue, where he paid tribute to the work of outgoing Irish Consul General Niall Burgess and welcomed the incoming Consul General, Mr Noel Kilkenny.  Mr Burgess is returning to the Department of Foreign Affaits HQ in Dublin.
 
The Taoiseach said:
 
" The Irish in New York, and across America, continue to exercise influence far beyond their numbers.
 
Once again on this visit, I have met people from across the Irish-American community who are forging success in business, the arts, culture, sport and politics.
 
It was a particular honour to pay tribute to the successful women of Irish America at an awards ceremony last night.
 
I also particularly enjoyed meeting the next generation of children, many of them born in America, who are keeping the great tradition of our national games alive in Gaelic Park in the Bronx and further afield.
 
This is a great resource for our country and for America and one we will always nurture and support."
 
The Taoiseach also met with Irish campaigners for immigration reform.
 
Commenting on the immigration issue, the Taoiseach said:
 
" The Government remains firmly committed to supporting the cause of immigration reform and to supporting our emigrant communities in the United States.
 
I am encouraged by President Obama's recent comments on this issue
 
The Goverment fully appreciates the complexity of the issues involved for the United States.