H.E. Mr. Dan Mulhall:

I should have mentioned the GAA in my initial statement, as it is fantastic. A couple of weeks ago at the embassy we launched a study commissioned by the London Irish Centre, which surveyed new Irish emigrants, or those who have come to Britain in the past ten years. It was trying to figure out the views of such people, etc. Essentially, it concerned Irish teachers working in Britain. One of the conclusions of the report was that these younger people do not connect with the traditional Irish organisations in Britain except for the GAA, as all of them named it as a fundamental organisation that they connected and identified with. It is an important point.

I went to Ruislip to see London play Galway and although I did my best to support London, I am afraid the chairman of the Galway county board, a former Minister and Deputy, Mr. Noel Treacy, had the winning formula. It was a great day and a fantastic occasion, as Irish people from all over south-east England flocked to Ruislip. I am delighted the Tánaiste announced some months ago a grant of €600,000 for the redevelopment of facilities at Ruislip so it can become a venue for Irish people to gather in future to watch intercounty football. I saw an intercounty game and although it was a bit one-sided, the standard was very high. It was impressive and I was delighted to be there. We have had much contact with the GAA in London over the past number of years and I have much admiration for the work it does.

The eligibility to vote issue has been raised with me fairly frequently and there is an organisation based in London which campaigns for the vote. It was also raised by the Irish community in Germany as in that country one cannot vote unless one is a citizen; the Irish felt they were being excluded there. In Britain, Irish people can vote, so the matter is slightly different. I give the same answer every time. The matter is being examined and the Constitutional Convention held a discussion about it, with submissions made from various Irish organisations around the world. The issue is on the agenda but it is a matter for the Government and the Oireachtas to decide who should be eligible to cast a vote. Perhaps it will be a matter for the people if constitutional change is required.