Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have no difficulty with the proposal to sit on Monday but I suggest that the starting time should be 2 p.m. or 2.30 p.m. because we could then also sit at 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday morning. I do not know what the Leader is considering but I suggest that as an option for him to consider.

I have been looking back over recent years at the way this country has developed. On the one hand we have a significant number of American companies here that have produced many jobs. The corporation tax that has been paid in the past 12 months is a substantial contributor to the budget. Likewise, Irish companies are making a significant contribution in America. I understand that Irish companies employ more people in America than American companies employ in Ireland. I was struck by our level of contact with the structures in the US. When I was in the European Parliament we had a joint committee of the European Parliament and the US Congress and I think it might be worth establishing a contact with the structures in the United States. The Seanad should build a relationship with Senators in the US. In the forum to which I referred a group of us met once every six months either in Washington or Brussels. Such an idea should be considered in view of the substantial contacts between the countries, the reliance of American companies in Ireland and vice versain the American market. I urge you a Chathaoirligh, together with the Leader and the leaders of all the groups in the House, to give serious consideration to this proposal.