Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Indeed.

Senator Colm Burke discussed relationships with the US Congress. As an island nation, we need to export to the United States, with which we have good ties, including the visit on St. Patrick's Day, but we should probably be developing a more structured interparliamentary relationship. In Deputy John Deasy we have a colleague who is representing us in America, specifically on the matter of the undocumented Irish. Perhaps the Leader might arrange for him to come to the House to update us on his work. We could also consider inviting the Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora to attend the House. Having a more structured and formalised link with the US Congress Washington is something that could be considered.

The Leader might revert to the Senator in due course on the question of wedding solemnisers.

Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh raised the issue of women in business in the context of International Women's Day. He referred to how women with whom he had worked were on his senior management team and operated in the various units of his business, how they had made a significant contribution to it and how he had learned from them. As a nation, we need to determine how we can fund and challenge more women to become entrepreneurs.

Senator Máire Devine also mentioned that it was International Women's Day. The poem written by the women from Palestine that she read said it all. There is nothing more I can add, except to say we should listen to their words.