Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leader for clarifying the matter.

I have called for a debate on rural issues on numerous occasions. We have had some interesting discussions at the Joint Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs about the depopulation of rural areas, particularly peripheral areas. We have called for the debate in the South on numerous occasions. The Leader has said that he wants the debate and will arrange it. Will the debate take place this side of Christmas?

We also need a debate on the issues that affect the Irish diaspora this side of Christmas. The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Joe McHugh, visited the United States recently and spoke to people there. In the aftermath of the US presidential election, I have been contacted by many documented and undocumented people who live in the United States but are concerned about their situations. It is important to find out what the Irish Government will do to support them. The Irish diaspora will also be affected by the Government's decision to row back on its promise to introduce presidential voting rights during its lifetime.

I support Senator Black's comments about families who suffer as a result of a family member abusing alcohol. The Senator is right to raise this important issue and it should be included in the dialogue on the legislation she mentioned. I commend her on arranging a presentation on the matter. Unfortunately, I cannot attend because I must attend the debate on housing legislation in the House later in the afternoon.