Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I compliment the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair on a wonderful presentation yesterday. We have come so far that both Prime Ministers are equal. Their body language at the press conference was a credit to all concerned. Perhaps we can look forward to the First Minister of Northern Ireland addressing the House next year. I hope there will be a peaceful Christmas in the North and that there will be a successful outcome to the talks.

Christmas is both a happy and sad time for many people. Approximately 10,000 undocumented Irish people live in the United States. When we return next year, will the Leader arrange for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to come to the House to debate this issue? Next year should be used to lobby the American Government to provide visas for our undocumented citizens so they can return home. I received a telephone call recently from a young man in Boston, who is lonely and sad. He typifies many Irish people in America. He could not return home for Christmas last year and cannot do so this year. Hopefully, he will be able to do so next year because if all parties put in an effort and work together on this issue, great results could be achieved. The St. Patrick's Day festivities could be used as the highlight in a push by the Government to ensure the undocumented in the US are recognised.