Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. I also thank the chairman of the ways and means committee, Mr. Neal, for coming before the committee today and being part of this process. Because Congressman Neal's ancestors come from Kerry, we have a great connection. I hope to welcome Mr. Neal back to Kerry very shortly, and of course when he comes with President Biden when he visits Ireland very shortly to address a joint session of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.

It is well known to people in this House and to people in Ireland that Congressman Neal is not just an Irish-American or a friend of Ireland on Saint Patrick's Day. He is a friend of Ireland every day, and has been for decades. Mr. Neal often pointed out that even his own constituents were wondering why he was involved in seeking peace, and he was involved long before the peace process even took root. His constituents questioned Mr. Neal's involvement and he said it was because it was the right thing to do. What Mr. Neal is doing now is obviously vitally important because without Irish-America and without the pressure put on the UK Government to make sure it abides by the Good Friday Agreement and abides by the undertakings it has given in this Brexit process, we would not be in the position we are today where the Border remains open. This is to Mr. Neal's credit.

I thank Congressman Neal for coming before the committee today. His contribution is very important because it is not heard just in this Chamber, it is being heard across the water too. They are listening to what Mr. Neal is saying, and what he is saying is very important for the peace process and for Ireland. I thank him for his time. I also thank Congressman Neal's Chief of Staff, Billy Tranghese, who despite the surname is one of the best friends Ireland has, along with Mr. Neal.