Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday my colleague, Senator McFadden, raised the campaign for homeless veterans of the Defence Forces. She never misses an opportunity to bring forward Defence Forces matters, which is very much appreciated by all veterans associations. There are some buildings belonging to the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces around Dublin. The Irish Defence Forces Veterans Association, of which I am a member, would be willing to take over and refurbish a building. The expertise is available at no cost to the State to make it a permanent home for veterans, both those who are homeless and those who are in need of medical care. All that is required is the goodwill of the Department of Defence, the Minister of State with responsibility for defence and the Government. I am sure Senator McFadden would work with me on that, although today is the first she has heard of it.

On a separate matter, the Leader, the Cathaoirleach and I visited Iran last year. It strikes me that as we come to a no-deal Brexit and the possibility of the United Kingdom crashing out of the European Union, we should explore new opportunities. I think I am safe in saying we were highly impressed with what we saw when we were in Iran. We saw a population of 80 million and a gateway to approximately 400 million people in that part of the world. As Ireland moves forward, opening new embassies to create new markets and new alliances, is it not time for us to rekindle what was a great relationship between Ireland and Iran and reopen the embassy? Will the Leader ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to come to the Seanad to debate that issue? I am sure other Members could suggest other countries they would like to see included in such a debate. Ireland cannot now afford to miss out on any opportunity for expansion of our markets as we enter into the world of Brexit. I know the Leader is favourably disposed to the idea, unless I am mistaken. The Iranians are wonderful people. Will the Leader try to organise that debate?