Michael Brennan (Fianna Fail)

I would like to be associated with the words of Senators from both sides of the House. Goodwill and a Christian approach have been evident from all speakers. Although there may be a division on the motion and the amendment before the House, everyone who has spoken has recognised the role played by Irish emigrants in the development of this country in the 1960s. A great deal has been said about construction work in the UK. The money that was sent home by people working in that industry helped to keep food on Irish tables at a time when employment here was confined to 40 hours per week and it was hard for people to make ends meet.

Like the previous speaker, I wish to pay tribute to the voluntary organisations. Those involved in voluntary housing organisations, such as the Safe Home programme in Mulranny, County Mayo, are doing tremendous work to help our emigrants on a national basis. A great deal of work has been done in respect of housing. Local authorities can take people off the Safe Home programme's list, but much more could be done in this field. I urge the Minister to examine what can be done through the local authorities to help our emigrants.

It is clear that a single approach has not been put in place to solve the problems of our emigrants. I pay tribute to the emigration task force, which has compiled a first-class report, and to all those who made submissions. I ask the Minister, in his wisdom, to consider all these approaches and suggestions. In the meantime, all Departments should work to make the lives of our emigrants a little easier and fulfil our responsibilities in that regard. I pay tribute to the Minister for what he has done to date, but much more remains to be done.