Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

There has been considerable discussion here today on the Irish diaspora. We could do something positive and support Senator Jim Walsh's call for a debate on the Kennedy-McCain Bill. It would be particularly opportune in light of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations when many Irish politicians will travel to the United States and have an opportunity to meet their counterparts.

Considerable debate on that Bill is taking place in the US. There are a number of counter proposals to the Bill and there is little doubt there will be a compromise on it. I am concerned about some of the compromises coming forward. It would be helpful if a resolution from this House were put forward to assist and support the efforts of the politicians who will travel to the United States to put forward that clear message from this House. I recognise that the Leader will have a difficult job in trying to arrange a debate on that Bill between now and the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. I ask if that could be done with the agreement of Members on all sides of the House.