Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I congratulate the Minister on his performance in this area and on the launch of the new passport card, which will become very popular. It is a handy device to gain quick access to Europe and, to some extent, other places worldwide. It represents a huge leap forward in terms of the utilisation of modern technology in a modern fashion to meet modern needs.

With regard to distressed Irish abroad, to what extent are embassies called upon to deal with such circumstances? I refer to a certain Irish citizen abroad who has been in a very distressed state for several months. Would the Minister like to comment on that?

Deputy Brendan Smith commented on longwave radio, and I agree with him entirely. The longwave radio station is a lifeline for many Irish people who have been living abroad for years. I refer not so much to those who have emigrated in recent years but to those who emigrated in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The radio station is their only means of daily contact with their homeland. Without incurring expenditure, we should try to ensure the service is retained. Our national broadcaster should be capable and ready to deal with that issue.