FG wants US ambassador to explain detention of Irish immigrants

Fine Gael has called on the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee to investigate the imprisonment of illegal Irish immigrants in the United States pending their deportation.

Party spokesman Bernard Allen said the US ambassador to Ireland should be asked to appear before the committee to explain the treatment of Irish nationals living illegally in the US.

Mr Allen said he was concerned about the manner in which Irish citizens were being detained and held in prison for considerable periods of time before being returned to Ireland.

He said that, as friendly and co-operative countries, Ireland and the US should be able to agree a better approach.

"There should be greater flexibility for Irish people because of our record in the United States," he said. "The Irish built much of the infrastructure in the United States and I think that should be recognised."