Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I call for a debate on immigration reform. Last week my colleague, Senator O'Donovan, spoke about the difficulties US citizens face in getting work permits in Ireland. I am delighted that on of foot of our discussion in the Seanad on the one-year J1 intern programme, the programme is now being extended until 2016. I thank the Leader for raising the issue with the Taoiseach.

I am also concerned about another issue raised by Senator O'Donovan, namely, the cuts to the advocacy service for members of the deaf community. A number of us received leaflets on the subject as we entered Leinster House this morning. There is nothing more ironic than a Government cutting funding for a service that speaks for people who cannot speak for themselves. They were told in an e-mail that their appeal would be heard by telephone. That is the equivalent of asking an illiterate person to make an appeal in writing. This issue needs to be debated. I am disappointed we did not debate it yesterday because the Members opposite were unable to support our amendment to the Order of Business. I ask them to reconsider in order that we can arrange a debate next week on the cuts to funding.

I support my Seanad colleague on the appeal for a debate on the Dublin-Monaghan bombing. Some 33 people were killed in a mass murder. All we ask is that the British Government release the files. That has been called for by all parties in this and the other House. If I were the British Government and had been accused of mass murder by another state, I would like to clear my name by releasing those files. It does not want to release the files, however. Perhaps Senator Coghlan raised the issue when he had lunch with the British ambassador and the files may be released before 2016.