Sinn Féin Representative in the United States Rita O'Hare announced on Tuesday, 25 September, that all the money raised by a major Friends of Sinn Féin fundraiser scheduled for 1 November will be for the benefit of the families of those in the New York City construction industry killed in the World Trade Center atrocity. She said: ``The annual Friends of Sinn Féin dinner in New York was arranged some time ago for 1 November.

``While many segments of society have suffered terribly, such as the firemen, the police officers, restaurant workers, brokers and others, the New York construction industry has been the backbone of our support during the crucial years of our peace process.

``Accordingly, Friends of Sinn Féin recommended that the dinner should proceed but that all of the money raised would benefit the families of those in the construction industry who were killed.

``Sinn Féin is pleased to accept this recommendation and Gerry Adams is looking forward to his visit and to being able to play a part in helping some of those directly bereaved.''

US Immigration and Naturalisation Service clarifies position on `illegals'

Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has described as ``welcome clarification'' the announcement by the US Immigration and Naturalisation Service that it will not seek immigration status information provided to US local authorities in the rescue and recovery efforts in New York.

``Last week I called on the US government to guarantee immunity to `illegal' immigrants affected by the attacks in order to assist relatives to contact their loved ones,'' said Ó Caoláin on Tuesday. ``There were genuine fears that making contact could lead ultimately to deportation. These concerns have been recognised and the INS statement provides welcome clarification of the position. It does, however, fall short of a guarantee of immunity for injured persons, which I had called for. Some reports on RTE radio on Tuesday may have given the impression that the INS statement went further and amounted to an amnesty. Such is clearly not the case.

``I would encourage people in Ireland who are still concerned about loved ones in New York to contact the Irish Consulate General in New York at 001-212-319 2555. I am assured that their enquiries will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.''