Paul Bradford (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the comments of Senator Ó Clochartaigh with regard to the greyhound industry, an industry in which our Leader has an interest. We have briefly discussed the industry on a number of occasions but it might be helpful if we asked the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Hayes, to come to the House to give an update on the developments on the proposals and plans, and, indeed, on the problems which apparently exist in some sections of the industry.

I refer to a motion which is No. 58 on the Order Paper in the Leader's name, that Seanad Éireann shall consider the report of the Committee on European Affairs on the matter of the voting rights of Irish citizens abroad. This was proposed last November.

It would be very useful to have such a debate in advance of the various ministerial visits throughout the world over the St. Patrick's Day period. Every Minister and politician who will be travelling abroad, be it to New York, Sydney or elsewhere, to do very valid work will come into contact with young Irish people, in particular, and perhaps second-generation Irish who are interested in the concept of having a vote in Irish elections. The Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan, has made relatively strong commitments in this regard. I am not sure whether the thinking is fully in accordance with Government policy but I believe it would be useful to debate it.

I have mixed views on the matter. An old maxim implies there should be no taxation without representation. One must delimit how broad the franchise should be. The Leader is now considering for debate a report by the Joint Committee on European Affairs. It would be useful to have this in advance of the annual St. Patrick's Day period when there will be so much interaction between the Irish at home and abroad. Perhaps the Leader will try to facilitate it with the Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan, or the Minister, Deputy Flanagan. There might be a slight difference of opinion and emphasis between the two.