Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that the Cuban ambassador is present at this meeting.

We will move on to programme B, which concerns consular, passport and Irish abroad services. Obviously, this is an important area. I commend the work done by our consular service abroad. We have seen it in operation at first hand. Since I became Chairman, I have noted the efficiency in the Passport Office and how it can process passports so quickly. We visited the passport centre in Balbriggan. Circumstances have changed so much in recent times. I acknowledge the dedicated work of the staff in the Passport Office.

Regarding the Irish abroad services, we now have our first Minister of State responsible for the diaspora, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan. He is actually present today and not meeting the diaspora abroad. He is very welcome.