Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I join in the words of welcome to Jody Blake and Senator Kate Walsh.

I support the call from my colleague, Senator Bannon, that the Minister for Education and Science, whoever he or she may be, come to the House to discuss the closure of Sion Hill College. Some Members might not be aware of the background to this situation. It appears that the Minister's own officials and independent consultants argued against this closure. An effort was made under the Freedom of Information Acts to ascertain that information. The Minister's officials did not want to release the documentation but the Information Commissioner allowed it. It clearly showed that the closure of Sion Hill was decided against all the advice available to the Minister.

I accept that, politically, the Minister is the person to take the decision, as has happened. However, it is important that we have the current or new Minister in the House to clarify the issue and tell us exactly what brought about the decision to close Sion Hill, a college which gave generations of service by producing home economics graduates.

I wish to support what Senator Ó Murchú said on the broader issue of Irish emigrants, be they in London or the United States. The Leader is aware of the fact that one of our colleagues on the Fine Gael benches, Senator Higgins, has said on more than one occasion that he would be prepared to resign his Seanad seat if the Government agreed to his replacement by an official voice for Irish emigrants. The Senator has written to the Taoiseach regarding this matter. We have had numerous debates about the need for Oireachtas representation for emigrants.

When they are in Opposition, various parties make certain suggestions and the Government of the day quickly forgets them. It may not be possible to reach a solution. However, Senator Higgins has said he is willing to resign his seat in the Seanad following his election to the European Parliament if he can reach agreement with the Government on his replacement by a voice for Irish emigrants abroad. I request that the Leader and Deputy Leader ask the Taoiseach to give that genuine offer genuine consideration. We would all welcome a structure by which Irish emigrants were officially represented in this House. Senator Higgins is offering a structure to do so. If the Government exhibits fair play, we could make a very positive gesture which would be a step forward for Irish emigrants. All we can do is ask the Leader to put pressure on the Taoiseach to enter into meaningful dialogue with Senator Higgins on this issue.