Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

——and to put in place a quota system as is provided for in respect of Australia, thus allowing these people to live a dignified life. Given the current economic climate of unemployment here these people no longer have the option of returning home and are in no man's land. We have a special responsibility towards them. I ask the Deputy Leader to ensure the Government uses Ireland's goodwill in America to negotiate a bilateral agreement, which Fine Gael has been recommending for a long time. This is the way to go. I appeal to the Deputy Leader to provide time for such a debate in this House and to bring this issue to the attention of the relevant Minister. It is especially apt, in the context of St. Patrick's Day, that we deal with this issue now.