John Crown (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have raised this matter because it may explain the fact that Senator Paul Coghlan seemed to think there were two categories of Irish citizen abroad: those who have access to a consular office and those who do not. That is not the case. Everyone has access to a consular office. For some of them it will be in the same country they live in, while for others it will be a designated consular office in another country which assumes responsibilities for their country of residence.

I hope we will get this Bill through Committee Stage today and that we will pass it. I also hope that my Bill will be afforded the opportunity for a full debate when it comes before us. Our colleagues in the other House should also have an opportunity to see these important pieces of legislation and have a debate that relates not only to the way we do business here but also to the way we do business in our Parliament.