Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I second the amendment. I agree with Senator Ryan's condemnation of the Government's decision not to set up an agency for the Irish abroad as recommended in the report of the task force on emigration. It was debated recently in the other House where Deputy Stagg made a very emotional contribution which was relayed practically in its entirety on the "Vincent Browne Show".

Another issue is that St. Patrick's Day falls next week and all of the Cabinet Ministers, with the exception of one, will travel to all parts of the world. On 18 March there will be disruption of service not alone in the context of trains and buses but also of Aer Rianta where six-hour strikes will take place in airports around the country. I am not sure what the Minister is doing about these issues but there is extreme concern among the public because the tourism season begins from 17 March onwards and this disruption will project a very bad image of the country. I therefore appeal to SIPTU to come back from the brink on this issue, to engage in discussions and try to get things moving on the issues pertinent to bus and train drivers and airport workers. The matter will not be resolved by the type of disruption that is planned. An important EU Presidency meeting is due to take place and the image this disruption will project internationally of Ireland will be a very bad one. There must be a better way of resolving the matter. I appeal to the Minister to do something about it at this late stage. This is our last appeal because the Seanad will not be in session next week. St. Patrick's Day will come and go, but the damage will linger afterwards.