Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Given that tomorrow's budget will be different in its presentation, which is welcome, are arrangements in place for Members who wish to use laptops in the Chamber to correlate information? I am unsure whether that has been approved in respect of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. Irrespective of the content, which will be of the utmost importance to people, tomorrow's budget cannot be compared to any previous one because of the style and format of its presentation.

A number of weeks ago, unanimous all-party agreement was reached on a motion proposed by Deputy Ring on the undocumented Irish in the United States. Today I received a letter from the Minister for Foreign Affairs which stated the matter is a top priority for the Government. This Parliament agreed that we should pursue a bilateral arrangement with the US but the Minister's letter makes no reference to that other than to indicate the issue is a priority and that he spoke with US Congressmen and Senators. In the context of the current visit to the US by Dr. Paisley and Mr. McGuinness, has any direct contact been made with the US Government or its ambassador with a view to building on our all-party agreement to pursue a bilateral arrangement? This is the month to pursue such an arrangement because, as the Taoiseach will be aware, the approach of Christmas and the end of the year means the issue becomes personal and sensitive to a great number of these people. The House has given its verdict on the motion and I ask whether the Government has taken any action to build on that platform.

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