Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

The Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, has returned from Vietnam. Yesterday's Irish Independent reported that a bilateral agreement is not yet in place, as negotiations have stalled. I accept that the Minister of State is doing his best to make progress. Last week, before he went to Vietnam, I asked the Leader to invite him to come to this House to update Members on the matter. I invite all Senators to join me in asking the Leader to set aside 15 minutes to allow the Minister of State to update the House on the progress being made with the bilateral agreement. Hundreds of families are waiting. Last week, I spoke to people who told me they are working on Vietnam time as they wait to hear whether progress has been made with the agreement. On behalf of the families, I implore the Leader to allow the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, to update the House.