Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader consider having a debate this session on the excellent work being carried out by the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body, particularly in relation to its concern and interest in the plight of Irish people living in Britain in the post Celtic tiger and post economic revolution of this Government? I wish to raise in particular the position of Irish people in Britain who should qualify for free travel when they return here for a holiday or other purpose. These are Irish people aged 65 and over who would qualify for free travel if they lived here or if circumstances allowed them to do so. Those in receipt of a pre-1953 pension have a strong case in this regard. I welcome the decision by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Peter Hain, to extend free travel throughout the island of Ireland. It is a major breakthrough and both Ministers deserve our thanks and praise.

Along with other members of the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body I am working on the repatriation of Irish people in Britain who live in dire straits and bad housing conditions. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government should provide facilities to process the claims——