The Chairman of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, Niall O'Dowd, met with Taoiseach (Prime Minster) Bertie Ahern in Dublin (above) to discuss the Irish undocumented in the United States.

The 40-minute meeting at the Taoiseach's office in September covered recent developments in the United States including the likelihood that there will be no comprehensive immigration reform this year after Republicans in the House blocked action on a joint Senate/ House bill.

“I found the Taoiseach very up to date with developments and very willing to help ” O'Dowd said.

"He has personal experience from constituents who have family members who are undocumented and understands it fully. I was very encouraged by his continuing support and his promise that the government will do everything it can to help legalize the Irish in the U.S.”

O'Dowd said he was hopeful that by the time the Taoiseach comes to America next St. Patrick's Day that the issue will be either resolved or well on the way.

“The difference in our campaign this time as against the one in the 1980s is that this time the Irish government are fully on side. That is a huge advantage. The government has powerful access and influence in America on Irish issues. We look forward to working with them on the issue at an increased level over the next few months.”

O'Dowd also met with Irish Foreign Minster Dermot Ahern and discussed the issue with him. "My meeting with Minster Ahern went very well,” O'Dowd said. “He has from the beginning been very supportive of ILIR and what we have been doing and indeed, has ensured that Irish government funding helped ILIR come into existence. We look forward to working with him in the near future.”

O'Dowd also met members of the Friends of the Undocumented in the Irish Dail. John Cregan T.D. Micheal Woods T.D Sean Crowe T.D. and Senator Michael Brennan attended the meeting.

“All across Ireland, this is a problem that every TD or senator hears about from constituents. They are very aware that we have to see progress son the issue of the Irish undocumented. I firmly believe we have all party political support across Ireland", he said.