Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for attending. I am delighted we are getting the opportunity to discuss this very important issue on the last sitting day before we rise for the summer recess. This is an issue that is very close to many people's hearts, particularly those of us who are Irish citizens but do not have a vote in presidential elections at this point in time.

The Constitutional Convention made a call for and heard contributions from people across Irish life, including submissions on politics and civic life in the North. The convention recommended extending the franchise to Irish citizens not just in the North, but also the diaspora. Senator Lawless made an articulate and wonderful maiden speech in the House yesterday and outlined the significant connection we have to our diaspora. I imagine that everything we can do to further harness that connection would be welcomed.

The President is the President of the Irish people as opposed to the President of the Irish landmass. As such, it makes practical sense to take this very progressive and, some might say, modest step. It is modest because 20 years after the Good Friday Agreement was ratified, we still do not have the ability to vote for our President, notwithstanding the anomaly that someone from the North can run and, as has happened, become a very fine President of the Irish people. I thank the Minister of State for being here and I look forward to the discussion and work ahead.