Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I am pleased Senators Norris and Hanafin raised the issue of Chernobyl. I was also present at yesterday's meeting, during which I spoke at length with Adi Roche and listened with great interest to her submission. I broadly support everything said and ask the Leader to convey the support of the House for Ms Roche's work as an outstanding citizen and humanitarian. She requested that Irish Aid put in place a multi-annual funding arrangement because her organisation deals with a budget of €35 million but does not know its Irish Aid allocation from one year to the next.

I contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs in regard to the points raised by Senator Norris and was told that the visa waiver system was withdrawn two years ago because of legislation addressing the trafficking of young people in Europe. Unfortunately, the Chernobyl children got caught up in that.