Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

I second the amendment to the Order of Business. I also want to condemn the Government for its self congratulation for downsizing banks and bank staff. The Government would be better advised to tax the bonuses and pensions of bankers who walked out the door with big pay-offs, which was done in the United States.

As my colleagues did yesterday, I welcome the fact that Ministers are travelling abroad for St. Patrick's Day. The media has often taken it as part of the St. Patrick's Day fun festival to condemn Ministers for going abroad. Every year, Irish Ministers travel to South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Spain, the United States and elsewhere to meet with Heads of Government. Other countries envy our position and if they had such an opportunity they would send more ministers. Some people may say that at this time we cannot be spending money on such trips, but the connections made and opportunities opened up by our Ministers abroad is what it is all about, as well as strengthening those international relationships.

I know that Members will join with me in extending sympathy to the family of U.S. Congressman Donald Payne, who has passed away. This 77-year-old African American once held the distinction of being the most pro-Irish member of the US Congress. He led the fight against apartheid in South Africa from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. He also led the fight to ban the use of plastic bullets in Northern Ireland. He was a great friend of Ireland and will be sadly missed.