Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

I will continue with what Deputy O'Connor said about Barack Obama. Those of us who have been inspired by the civil rights movement in America, Booker T. Washington going to the White House and President Truman desegregating the army are aware that it is a fantastic time for the world when an African-American can become President of the United States. It is a moment of change, as Deputy O'Connor said, but a moment of challenge as well. New challenges are arising, but that problem seems to be solved in America at least at this stage. They have new challenges but the challenge we are facing today, and debating, is unemployment.

I also concur with Deputy Mary O'Rourke because she did the business for us when I was at school. She visited my classroom and gave us a new school, so it starts early.

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