John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I wish to join in the sentiments expressed by Senator Minihan regarding the student from Cork who has found himself in such difficulties. I urge the Leader to do her best to sort out that very serious problem. I also wish to refer to an issue raised by my colleague, Senator Terry, at the start of the week about the J1 students in America who were having such difficulty getting their social security numbers. The delay in the process takes several months and students in America can be deported to Ireland within 20 days if they do not have a number. I urge the Leader to express to the Government the importance of this matter and to try to find a resolution.

I again raise on the Order of Business the issue, which particularly pertains to rural Ireland, of people who reside in what one might call prefabs. I urge the Leader, when we resume sittings in this House at the end of the year, in conjunction with the debate on housing requested by several Members, to include people who primarily reside in prefabs. The issue has not been dealt with and must be addressed as soon as possible.