Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

Ba mhaith liom tús a chur leis an cúpla focal seo agus comhghairdeas a dhéanamh leis an tSeanadóir Moylan as a bheith ceaptha mar Chathaoirleach ar an Teach seo. I sincerely congratulate Senator Moylan on his appointment as Cathaoirleach. I know he will do an excellent job in his new position.

I wish to support two issues. The first one was raised by Senator Bradford on the other side of the House about the undocumented Irish. There are an estimated 50,000 undocumented Irish in the United States of America, many of whom left these shores seeking a better life for themselves and members of their families. It is important we stand with them in the difficulties in which they find themselves. I am delighted with the work which has been done, especially by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, in supporting the undocumented Irish in the United States and in lobbying to have the issue put centre stage there. It is important that during the new term of this House and Dáil Éireann we reinvigorate the campaign by ensuring the presidential campaign, which will hot up shortly, includes the issue of the undocumented, not just the Irish but those of many other countries. It is important to discuss the issue in this House and provide assistance to the people involved. I come from the north west and many families from Donegal have family members in the United States who cannot join them on celebratory occasions or bereavements. The issue divides families so we should pursue it as vigorously as possible on this side of the water.

I support the proposal that the Minister for Finance should come to the House prior to the budget and receiving submissions. All Members of the Oireachtas are being lobbied on submissions to be made to the Department and, in particular, to the Minister. We are lucky to have a Minister of the calibre of Deputy Cowen, who is well aware of the needs of Ireland. As a republican and a member of Fianna Fáil I am delighted that Deputy Cowen is in the job. He is able to listen to the concerns of the general public. If the Minister is to visit this House, however, we should place on the agenda for discussion, in light of the power-sharing Executive in the North of Ireland and the fact that the institutions are now up and running, the issue of economic incentives and reliefs for the Border counties in the upcoming budget. My colleague, Senator Wilson, would probably share my view that we should provide the Border counties such as Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan with some relief after what they have suffered over the past 30 years in the conflict in the North. The issue should be looked at when the Minister visits the House and I hope he does so in the not too distant future.

I wish the Cathaoirleach well in his term in Seanad Éireann.