Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

The Acting Chairman will be aware of other instances in the past where the individual concerned has been attacked unfairly. If this is out of protocol, I am happy to withdraw my remarks.

Those involved in this matter must be complimented for the work done. The media often sneer at Members for the value of their trips abroad. This has been one of tremendous merit where we will see results. However, it must be treated with caution. The importance of the work done by the emigration centres in the urban centres of the US must also be acknowledged. Priests, religious people and others involved in these centres, diocesan and Government funded, have worked with the illegal Irish emigrants over many years, providing advice and support when none was available because of their illegal status. The issue of medical care has always been one of anxiety for illegal emigrants in the US. While working on building sites and so forth, the greatest fear is that medical cover would not be granted to them because of their status.

The breakthrough in legislation with the McCain-Kennedy Bill, which hopefully will be partnered successfully with the Oireachtas, will provide what is needed for illegal emigrants to return home to Ireland at their own discretion. All Members gave examples of people sparing their visits to Ireland in the hope that relatives here will live forever but in their devastation, they return for a family funeral, never to have the opportunity to return to America. This has been a dilemma for those who have contributed to the US economy. I am delighted America is standing by us on this issue. We welcome the efforts of Senators Kennedy and McCain who have made the most positive proposals for Ireland. We must see every effort is made to work with them and their proposals accepted.

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