Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Crowe and Adams for their presentations. I, too, attend today to support this important legislation. Senator Billy Lawless lives for part of the year in the United States where he works with members of the Irish diaspora, many of whom are struggling. He understands the issues that arise in this regard. I know from family living in the North that the rights conferred under this Bill would mean a great deal to them. I also have two brothers living in San Francisco who have been in the United States for more than 30 years. They belong to the group described by Senator Ó Clochartaigh to the extent that they are obsessed with the GAA and listen to many Irish radio programmes. This legislation would be fantastic for them and others in their position. Timing is important. We must implement this simple measure. Please God, we will get it right, as Senator Lawless stated, and the Bill will be passed.