Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Cooney to the House with a great céad míle fáilte. I understand he experienced a bereavement in the summer on which I extend my condolences to him.

I am from the south east, although my family hails from the Cathaoirleach's local area of west Cork. What is the main priority in terms of political representation for the diaspora, in particular, undocumented Irish people living in the United States and Irish citizens who recently emigrated? These groups do not have any democratic representation either in their new home or their home country because Ireland is one of a small number of countries without a system of voting or representation for citizens living overseas.

I very much welcome the appointment of Senator Billy Lawless to the Seanad. What role could a reformed Seanad play in strengthening the links between Ireland and the United States? In my view, it can serve a unique purpose in addressing the deficit in this area. As the Government initiates its proposals for Seanad reform, my colleagues and I in Civil Engagement will do all we can to ensure this reform is meaningful and includes serious measures that give a voice to the Irish abroad. Many good organisations such as We're Coming Back, Global Irish Vote, Get the Boat 2 Vote and votingrights.ieare working to secure a fair deal for this group of citizens, which has expressed frustration at the lack of progress in this regard.

I look forward to working with Senator Lawless to ensure the tens of thousands of emigrants who do not have a voice or a vote secure the representation they deserve in future, both in Ireland and the United States. I wish Mr. Cooney a pleasant visit to his home country. I hope the weather is good and he has a good time.