Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is also accurate, a Cheann Comhairle. I ask the Taoiseach to explain the difference between No. 33 and No. 79, the intoxicating liquor Bill and the sale of alcohol Bill, both of which deal with the sale and consumption of alcohol. One is expected to come before the House in late 2008 and I do not know when the other is expected. Is there a difference between these two Bills and when are they likely to be dealt with in the House?

I note the statement from the Ó Cuanacháin parents about their autistic child and his education. Having gone through the trauma they have experienced, they made the point that the Government should allow a free vote on the motion on special educational needs this evening. Is it the Taoiseach's intention to allow that to happen, in view of the statements being made by many of his backbenchers?

I received a letter recently from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who said that on a daily basis the Irish ambassador in Washington is dealing with Members on Capitol Hill, in the Senate and the Congress about the issue of undocumented Irish, following on from the all-party motion agreed in the Dáil that there would be a bilateral arrangement with the United States. I note this morning that the Democratic Caucus is now talking about stop-gap immigration legislation which would allow illegal immigrants to the United States to pay a fine, pass criminal background checks and obtain five-year visas. I ask the Taoiseach to bring this to the attention of the ambassador, consequent on the bilateral motion agreed unanimously in this House, as it may be of interest to him. Even if all candidates in the presidential election are not committing themselves at this point regarding their future plans, the Democratic Caucus in Washington, with particular emphasis on the Hispanic population, is examining this issue seriously.

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