Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I join Senator Kitt in calling for a debate on the western rail corridor. Everything is in place for this decision and it requires funding in the next budget. We need cross-party support on this issue. We know that Iarnród Éireann has been very slow to invest in the west of Ireland and it will have to be brought kicking and screaming to ensure that it does invest in the western rail corridor.

I agree with the call for a debate on US visas and the Bill proposed by Senators Edward Kennedy and John McCain. We all have constituents — mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters — who are concerned that their loved ones cannot return home for events like weddings and funerals. We need cross-party support on this very important issue.