Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I know that is true. Colleagues have praised the work of the Minister and he has a broad remit. He made a fine contribution on European issues in this debate. I want to make one parochial reference, if I may.

One of the issues in which I have shown an interest in recent times, which is as much as European as a national issue, is the circumstances of Irish prisoners aboard. I have raised this issue on a number of occasions with the Minister recently. This issue obviously involves other countries, including member states of the European Union. We should be concerned about Irish persons who, for one reason or another, are detained in prisons abroad. I am glad the Minister has taken a particular interest in this subject. He agreed recently to arrange for the carrying out of a research project to identify the number of Irish prisoners abroad and their need for services. He informed the Dáil recently that the terms of reference for that study had been agreed. I single that out for special mention because the study will be carried out by my friend and colleague, Mr. Chris Flood, a former of Minister of State and a person whom I am proud to have succeeded in the Dáil. This is the first opportunity I have had to record my welcome for that appointment. It is right that we should do this. To keep on the right side of Deputy Finian McGrath, it is very much a European issue and I am sure he will support me in that regard. I would expect our views to be quite compatible.

I look forward to next Tuesday when we will have an opportunity of meeting the President of Cyprus. I have consistently raised the issue of Cyprus in the House because I have a particular interest in this matter. We all have an opportunity to meet the ambassador on a regular basis, and to meet other Cypriot citizens who inform us of the difficulties. I had an opportunity to visit both sides of the Cyprus divide 20 years ago. I saw for myself how such a division can affect people. It presents particular challenges for the European Union, especially in regard to the accession discussions with Turkey. The Minister of State should understand that this is something that draws a response from representatives on all sides of the House. Like other colleagues, I look forward to welcoming the President of Cyprus next week.

As other colleagues have said, any debate about the European constitution will obviously deal with European issues. As Deputy Finian McGrath and others have said, that is what happened in France and it will also happen in all the other countries of the European Union, which is fair enough. It is somewhat unfortunate that people would use a debate on the constitutional referendum to respond to politics as they see it, but they are entitled to do so.

I wish to refer briefly to Tallaght. I have often said that I was not born a politician. I am lucky to be a Member of the Dáil and I am delighted about it. Perhaps the Ceann Comhairle would tell the leader to lay off me and I might get a second term. Tallaght has benefited hugely from Ireland's membership of the European Union, as have other towns and counties throughout the country. I am very pleased and proud about this. Those Members who know Tallaght will know that European Union moneys were used in respect of the development of the institute of technology there which is now a tremendous facility that is drawing a great deal of praise not only from around the country but from abroad. Tallaght Hospital was opened seven years ago. Although I am not supposed to say so, the Ceann Comhairle was one of the Ministers involved at the start of the prolonged fight for that hospital who was so helpful to us. I was delighted to get to know him in those times. Europe has helped the third largest population centre in the country, which is Tallaght, in its development, not only with its roads but also in terms of the two institutions to which I referred.

The Tallaght person of the year award was held for the 22nd time recently. The guest of honour was the Dublin MEP, Deputy Eoin Ryan. As one would expect, he got a tremendous reception.

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