Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the witnesses, in particular the Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan. I have not read Deputy Ó Caoláin's notes because it was the first thing I said. I am delighted to see the Minister of State here. He was very passionate about his previous job in the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and I know the passion he has for people who live abroad, in particular Irish people. It was obvious during his time as Minister of State in the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I wish him every success because he is in the right place.

I was saddened to hear some of the contributions, which made me think of my family, in particular my two aunts who left Ireland near the end of the Second World War. They lived in Coventry all their lives and were part of the local community, as well as the island. When my last aunt died a number of years ago, I went to her funeral in Coventry. One regret we have as a family is that we never took her back to Ireland to bury her because at the time there were many complications around doing that. I always felt that my mother had a better lifestyle during her life at home because she had connections in terms of family and friends, and a shoulder to lean on. When I visited my mother's grave in Palmerstown, I realised that relatives have constant contact with loved ones by visiting graveyards. I am sure the same happens all over the country, not just at Christmas or Easter. The Irish have a great respect for those who have died, in particular family members. I often feel saddened that I do not visit my aunt's grave.

I had the opportunity of visiting the Oblate Fathers in Inchicore. I was a member of the youth overseas group to Lourdes. I visited many Irish centres in Liverpool, Holyhead, Leeds and London and was always struck by the wonderful work done by the Oblate Fathers. I do not know whether the witnesses' organisations link with religious organisations. When I was Lord Mayor of Dublin I spent time in San Jose - it was probably the only time I left the country as Lord Mayor because I am not a great traveller - and visited some of the Irish centres there and in San Francisco. I saw the same problems there as I did in England. I was struck by the fact that most connections came from GAA clubs or local pubs. After that, there was only the centres. I always felt there was a need there.

Dr. Tilki mentioned alcohol and addiction. We have the same addiction here in Ireland, in particular in older people and those who have come from very poor backgrounds and live in poor areas of cities. It is generational and it is difficult to break the cycle. Many countries now have major problems with young people binge drinking. The fear is that the next generation will require many liver donations, something doctors told the committee some time ago.

I thank the witnesses for meeting us. We had a lovely get together and it was nice to be able to talk to people on a one-to-one basis. I sat beside Mr. Carroll's daughter.