Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Acting Leader when it is proposed to invite the Minister of State responsible for defence to the House. The Leader gave a commitment he would be in within the next couple of weeks. I would like a date to be arranged for that, as there are a number of important issues we wish to raise with him. I also welcome the decision by the ASTI to call off its industrial action and to enter discussions with the Department of Education and Skills. As we are all aware, disputes are always sorted out by talking. The teachers have called off the strike and are speaking with the departmental officials. I hope those discussions will be meaningful on the part of the Department. This House should offer whatever encouragement it can to the Minister for Health in cutting off at the pass any threatened industrial action by nurses. They have a very legitimate case and should be listened to. The issue should be dealt with as a matter of urgency before it comes to strike action.

Finally, I join other colleagues in congratulating President-elect Trump on his election as the next President of the United States. I understand the Taoiseach will be in contact with him today to offer his congratulations on behalf of the people of this country. I encourage the Taoiseach to invite President-elect Trump to visit this country as President of the United States of America. There is a very special relationship between the peoples of both countries and I want to see that relationship continue in a positive manner. I hope President-elect Trump will have an open door policy for St. Patrick's Day that has been the tradition for many decades. I support Senator Mulherin's proposal that unless there is a joint address to both the Dáil and Seanad, I would like to see him addressing this House as well. I wish him well. I believe he will be pragmatic and we have already seen a change in tone. I hope that continues and he will take into account everyone living in the United States of America. Our relationship with America is very important to this country and I would like to see it continue.