Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think of a number of areas that we really need to be looking at right now. Senator Gavan and I would agree that we need to start looking at the US military's use of Shannon Airport. As a country, we are better than that. We do not need to be facilitating the refuelling of American army jets and planes in Shannon Airport. I know I am an outlier in Clare in expressing that view. It would not be a popular view in County Clare but we need to start looking at this situation, especially when we see what is happening in Palestine and the fact that America is not using the influence it clearly has to get a ceasefire over the line. There are lots of issues like that, low-hanging fruit, where we can do the right thing. We must get on and do the right thing.

Finally, I would like a debate on the need for an employment strategy for people who have been give permission to remain in this country. We need a strategy for people who have come here, who have sought refugee status and been granted it, and who are willing, able and want to work. Some of them cannot leave direct provision centres because they cannot find alternative accommodation. Some of them have no car to get to work. These people could make a huge contribution to our construction and service industries if there was a comprehensive strategy in place. I would like a debate on a comprehensive employment strategy for people who have been given permission to remain in this country.