Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I agree with Deputy Micheál Martin in respect of the fundamental reasons for the visits of the Queen and President Obama. It is part of the continuation of the normalisation of relationships between countries. I commend the Deputy on the part he played when he was Minister for Foreign Affairs in dealing with issues in regard to Northern Ireland and on some of the actions he took, all of which were part of leading to that normalisation. I commend An tUachtaráin and her husband on the work they did and continue to do in respect of developments in Northern Ireland to bring about a situation where there is peace and harmony among all the communities. The elections under way in Northern Ireland are evidence of the first full term of office run by the Assembly. I trust that in the discussions we have on a continuing basis with the politicians and elected representatives from Northern Ireland and our counterparts in Britain we will continue to work on the development of the island economy of Ireland and for the benefit of all our people.

Deputy Adams spoke about the Teach Bán and the tacaíocht that the Stáit Aontaithe are giving us in Ireland and we will respect that. As the Deputy is aware, we have made a strong case for the continuation of the investment funds, especially in regard to vulnerable communities in Northern Ireland. However, this is a free country and visitors are welcome here. Deputy Adams is entitled to have his say, as he does. The vast majority of people will welcome the visits of the Queen of England and President Obama.

I note Deputy Higgins's comment to the effect that the reason the President is coming is because of his re-election campaign. I recall that many of the statements the Deputy made in the European Parliament, to where he was dispatched from Dublin West for a period, were not disconnected from his attempts to get back in here. Fair play to him, he is back from Dublin West. Politicians have in their nature a view of the future from which they are not themselves absent, as does the Deputy.

In respect of Deputy Daly's comments, I do not have the actual cost of both visits. Figures have been mentioned for the overall costs and they are extensive, obviously. These are two global personalities.

I do not have all the details of President Obama's visit. He will visit the village of some of his ancestors in Moneygall and it depends on the extent of his schedule here, which has not been finalised, so I cannot say to the Deputy what will happen or where he will visit from the time the wheels of his plane touch down on the tarmac until he leaves. That will be finalised between the American Administration and ourselves, and the House will be told in due in course.

When Deputy Higgins speaks about homelessness and problems people face, I understand that. I went to Cricklewood on Friday morning to talk to people who were homeless who are now being looked after by the Irish welfare personnel with some assistance from the local authorities in Brent and from the Government here through the Department of Foreign Affairs. While some of them strayed in former years, they at least had the opportunity to have employment and to raise a family across the water. We should not forget that. Between 750,000 and 1 million people from this country live in Britain and had the chance to do very well in many cases.

The 100,000 people here who work in American firms, who raise their families and get on with their lives, are grateful for that investment. One of the major American firms here is spending €500 million of its own money, without grant assistance, to put itself in a competitive position for future investment. I support that. Part of that is linked to the 12.5% corporation tax rate which has been of immense value for young men and women to get jobs in Ireland. Irrespective of Deputy Higgins's political philosophy, I am sure he supports that.

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