Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Later this month, US Senator Barack Obama will visit Europe. Given the Leader's great interest in the plight of the undocumented Irish, and his experience in this regard, could he invite Senator Obama to Ireland to meet a cross-party delegation of Senators to discuss the undocumented Irish and outline his views thereon? Senator Obama could be also asked to outline his views on US investment in Ireland and to state his policies in this respect in light of the global economic downturn.

I ask for a debate on the programme for Government before the summer recess in light of the events of recent days, especially yesterday. I have asked about this on numerous occasions but have not received an answer.

I echo the remarks of Senator Fitzgerald in asking that there be openness and transparency on the other side of the House regarding education and health. Yesterday I spoke to a young health professional who was offered a job with the Health Service Executive last October. This is July but he has not yet been given a start-up date. What does this tell us about the management of the economy by the Government? We need a debate on the programme for Government.