Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I appreciate that but the House passes legislation on universities. Given that nobody has raised this issue, it appears it is to be accepted. Two distinguished Members of the House, Senators Maurice Hayes and Quinn, have honorary degrees. It does not reflect well on a university that it would devalue something for purely elitist purposes. I understand the degrees conferred are not worth the paper on which they are printed.

Last week, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, travelled to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly. During his visit he took the opportunity to meet representatives of Irish emigrant groups in New York and the coalition of Irish emigration centres. Will the Leader consider asking the Minister to come to the House before Christmas to outline Government policy on funding overseas Irish groups? Funding in excess of €12 million per annum is now available for this purpose. The demographics of Irish people in the United States has changed completely and there is a growing need for finances, resources and capacity building to address the needs of elderly Irish people. This is a mainstream issue among Irish emigrants in the United Kingdom but I never thought it would become an issue in the United States. I commend the Government for significantly increasing funding for emigrant groups by 45% in last year's budget and look forward to an even greater increase in this year's budget. I ask the Leader to consider this as a subject for discussion.

It is extraordinary that I agree with Senator Ryan on two matters. Before the summer recess, I advised the House about what was happening in the Oireachtas Library. What is taking place downstairs is a disgrace. Members of this House serve on the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission which is supposed to attend to these matters. It is unacceptable that Members are now bereft of a library facility.