Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is very exciting. The GAA has done a tremendous job and is working very closely with us to advance its aims.

Recently there were a number of unfortunate tragedies in New York and elsewhere involving young Irish people who were experiencing mental health difficulties. I am delighted that we have recently begun working with Pieta House and the GAA in New York, under the auspices of the emigrant support programme, to put in place an initiative that could be copied in other parts of the world. Pieta House will provide its professional services in New York and we hope that can be expanded to other cities where young people are challenged in various ways. We are also working with Console and Immigration Counselling and Psychotherapy, ICAP, in London to develop programmes to assist people struggling with mental health and addiction problems.

Deputy Neville referred to the Palatines, who make up one of the several different Irish diasporas. The reason these people came to Ireland in the first place was to avoid religious persecution. Many of them settled in Limerick and Kerry, including the Hoffman family which came from Germany to Kerry 300 years ago. The Deputy mentioned Christy Switzer, who was my personal trainer at one stage. He is a great weight lifter and I went to his gym to build up my upper body. The Palatines made a huge contribution to that part of the world.

As I said in the Seanad some time ago, Senator Daly has made numerous contacts on Capitol Hill. That takes time and a great deal of patience, endurance, commitment and follow-up. Making connections does not happen easily. The Chairman, likewise, has built up some very good contacts in the US and elsewhere. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the important work done by Senator Daly and the Chairman and the commitment they have shown in this regard.

The question of extending the vote in presidential elections to Irish people living abroad has been discussed at length and there now is universal agreement in the Oireachtas that it should happen. There are decisions to be made, however, on who will be included on the register of electors, how and where people will vote, and so on. Those issues can and will be determined in due course and we have that space between now and the next presidential election to get it right. The matter will have to be decided by referendum because it involves a change in the Constitution. We have learned from what happened in the referenda on the future of the Seanad and the compellability of witnesses, for example, both of which were lost because a doubt was cast as to what would happen afterwards. We do not want that to happen when we put to the people the question of extending the vote. We must be very clear on who will be able to vote and all the other logistical issues. It would be the worst thing that could happen if that referendum were lost. We in the Oireachtas will not determine whether the vote will be extended to the diaspora; the people of Ireland will make that decision. When we go to them, we must be very clear on how it will be done. I hope to see that referendum taking place in due course.

The proposals regarding honorary consulates are good. People like Finbar Hill in Los Angeles have done extraordinary things. Joseph McGlynn, our mutual friend in St. Louis, is still cycling at 80 years of age and we would love to get him back for the Ring of Kerry race. He has given his life in St. Louis to Ireland in an honorary capacity and is proud to do so. He has built up a great connection with politicians from all sides of this House. When an Irish person goes over to St. Louis, it does not matter where he or she is from or which party he or she belongs to, that person is there to represent Ireland. Mr. McGlynn has been very effective over there. We will, of course, invite people to participate in the Global Civic Forum. Any members who are interested in attending will find it affords them a great opportunity to meet with many of these people. It is important that members should come.

The committee has a role to play in this policy and in working very closely with the Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora, whoever that might be in the future. I would be delighted to come back here later in the year to let members know how things are going and what progress is being made. I have been travelling abroad as a politician for almost 30 years and it is my experience that when one goes abroad, people do not ask which party one belongs to. I have met people in all walks of life and from all backgrounds and they never ask me that question. They see me simply as an Irish politician representing this Parliament. We should all be proud to go out there wearing the green shirt and representing this country, leaving our differences behind. The global Irish diaspora policy gives us an agenda and action plan from which we can work collectively. I thank the Chairman for the opportunity to address the committee this morning.