Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

Together with Senators Mooney and Leyden, I have asked that we debate the issue of Irish people living and working illegally in the United States. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs held a most productive meeting yesterday with the US ambassador. He gave strong indications of the Bush Administration's constructive proposals on immigration. It is important nationally, and at a European level, that we are seen to support and push these proposals forward. It would be helpful to debate the issue here.

Reference was made this morning to an airline the name of which we dare not mention. The most noteworthy issue concerning that company this week is one the House should note with great satisfaction, namely, that early indications show the company has booked 200,000 passengers to fly out of Shannon Airport. We should comment on and praise that sort of enterprise and initiative. It will transform Shannon and the western region. I welcome the progress made in that regard.