Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Senator Reilly raised the issue of emigration. Nobody likes to see young people leaving. Up to 90% of young nurses go abroad. The issue of agency workers and the changing of rosters is one I would like to see addressed so these young people do not have to leave. Clearly, some leave to gain experience in their work and they return with enhanced experience. The people I feel sorry for are those who feel hopeless and see no option but to leave. It is those young people whom we must inspire and motivate and to whom we must prove, through political decisions, that things can be better for them here at home.

In respect of Northern Ireland, we have appointed a person from Northern Ireland to the permanent representation in Brussels so there will be full acquaintance with the issues, trends and the discussions taking place about the Presidency and our place in Europe. That is much more meaningful than what applied in the case of Northern Ireland in previous terms. I do not think that facility was made available when Britain had the Presidency. However, we want to keep people fully informed in an all-island sense and we are working very closely with the Executive and the Assembly on these matters.

I thank the Members for their statements and I thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for the opportunity to make my remarks.