Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I never get to travel. It was a pleasure to hear the presentations from Irish in Britain and the deputation from the United States. I will address the points in the order they came. Dr. Tilki was first. The health profile that Dr. Tilki has shared with us of the Irish in Britain is concerning. Sadly, it reflects the story at home in many ways. Dr. Tilki outlined the probable factors in her presentation, but are there any other factors we should consider? She suggested those outlined were not the only ones. Are there any other factors that contribute to these statistics?

Dr. Tilki's presentation addressed not only what might be seen as the immigrant community, she referred to second generation Irish as well. This was reflected by Mr. O'Dwyer too. It is singularly important. These people feel every bit as Irish as we who have been born on this island do and that needs to be acknowledged. They are often, although not always, Irish passport holders and very proud of their parental roots. They identify and empathise with all that we are and it is important that we address their issues and needs in this overall discussion.

We have discussed supports from home. Could Dr. Tilki and Ms McShannon outline the position from a British experience? What supports does the host central government provide in terms of the critical work that Irish in Britain is doing, given that the organisation deals with people who are resident on the island of Britain? Obviously that Government has a major responsibility.

What is the level of engagement between Irish in Britain and the local authorities? I notice that Irish in Britain is engaging with Brent Council. I gather this is in the context of the Cuimhne Champions, a mighty undertaking. It is inspirational and something we should consider at home. I am dealing with dementia in my family. Many of us have this experience, particularly given an ageing population, although the problem presents in younger years for some, all too sadly. I was greatly taken by the reference to Cuimhne Champions. Will Dr. Tilki give us a sense of the engagement with local authorities? Is there funding or support? Is there an awareness, a realisation and an acceptance of the critical work Irish in Britain does for people who are domiciled in certain areas for which local authorities are responsible?

Mr. O'Dwyer referred to the Obama initiative. It generated great interest at home; there is no question about that. I accept what Mr. O'Dwyer said about the US President being constrained by virtue of the political reality that he has to work within, but this is subject to a timeframe. Some 50% of the undocumented will become documented. Does Mr. O'Dwyer have any concerns for what might be down the road? It is a major step. It is not coming in until May but perhaps not everyone who can qualify has made up their mind. What about parents of US-born children? What are the consequences for them? Are there downsides? Are there fears in terms of Mr. O'Dwyer's knowledge and engagement with people in Washington? It would be great if he could assuage any such fears for us today. This is what I want to be addressed above all. Of course the truth is the most important thing and we must deal with the facts.

Mr. O'Dwyer referred to New York and free health care for children. I was not aware of this. Up to what age do the authorities there regard children as children? Here it is up to age 18 years. Does it apply up to age 18 there too? Does this apply anywhere else in the United States or is New York unique? Is this replicated in other major population areas?

Mr. O'Dwyer referred to a 64 year old in the Bronx. I spent a short time working in London many years ago. While there I met several older Irish people who were at a loss in their lives and in advanced years. In the decades since, I have always remembered their yearning to return home. This former chef to whom Mr. O'Dwyer referred sought to be and was successfully repatriated to Ireland. I wish him every blessing in his agreed settlement at home. Have there been other cases? Is this something Mr. O'Dwyer encounters from time to time? I will put the same question to Dr. Tilki and Ms McShannon. Is this something that presents at Irish in Britain? I know of it personally from a period when I worked in London. I knew people who would have loved to be able to come home but did not have the wherewithal to do so. Is that part of what Irish in Britain does at a local level? My thanks to the deputations.