Billy Lawless (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Bell. The service he is providing is unbelievable. I live in Chicago and I am very involved with emigrant rights. There have been terrible tragedies in Chicago in the past number of years, including those involving the McShane girl from the North and the young O'Reilly boy from Galway. The traumatic circumstances when the parents travel over are heart rending. I am sure that happened with Mr. Bell. I certainly support the service he provides.

Mr. Bell raised some issues and it would be no harm for the committee to highlight them. Insurance is a massive problem with regard to young J1 visa holders in Chicago or elsewhere in the United States. Many of them do not realise that if they get injured and alcohol is involved, they are not covered. It is a major issue. There was an incident in Boston recently as well. It is our job to highlight that. When Mr. Bell speaks to the different organisations he deals with, will he please emphasise that their children should have proper insurance if they are travelling abroad? Tell them about the danger of alcohol, as they will not be covered by insurance if it is involved.

I am very aware of emigrant support because I am involved in organisations in Chicago that applied to the emigrant support unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is a ferocious stickler, and rightly so, about accounts. That was the case for ourselves earlier for a number of years. We had to have everything down. It must be a meticulous application or it will not be granted. I strongly advise Mr. Bell to get his accounts together for an application to be made. Otherwise, it will not be granted.

I thank Mr. Bell and his family for the unbelievable service they are providing. It is just incredible.