Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their contributions which were very interesting, stimulating and thought provoking. Senator Ó Murchú pointed out that the diaspora is not just about tourism or St. Patrick's Day and I strongly agree with this. I often feel the Irish abroad unit at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not get enough credit for the work it does. Everyone is very aware of what Ireland does with regard to overseas aid in Tanzania, Malawi and other countries throughout the world. People do not know how much the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does through the Irish abroad unit. I did not know either until I became a Minister and started travelling and meeting bodies supported by the emigrant support programme.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh mentioned Australia in particular. Every body which has applied to the emigrant support programme in Australia has obtained funding. Migrants and undocumented people are supported, and the Irish language is taught in universities in Sydney. There are also the Irish colleges which have been renovated in Rome, Leuven and Paris, and Irish centres in places such as Camden. Efforts are being made to assist the undocumented Irish in the United States. I also welcome Senator Ó Murchú's bipartisan comments and I thank the Opposition for its support for this initiative. I particularly wish Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann every success with the fleadh in Derry. It is great to see it happening. I congratulate Sligo which will host it next year.

I thank Senator Brennan for his invitation to Carlingford. I have been there several times. I was at the adventure centre once and I took my staff for dinner in Ghan House one Christmas which was lovely.