Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, welcome the representatives of St. Sinneach's National School. I welcome the principal, Ms Glynn, sixth class teacher, Ms Lavelle, and all the students to the House. I hope they enjoy their trip to Dublin. I concur with the Cathaoirleach's comments that there is a homework pass for this evening and perhaps for the rest of the week. It is a fantastic school in south Longford. Senator Ahearn mentioned the CLÁR scheme. I know St. Sinneach's was successful in getting a grant last year through that scheme. Those schemes are invaluable throughout the county. I have been involved in a CLÁR application this year on behalf of a neighbouring school in south Longford, Lenamore National School, which I hope is prioritised. It has applied for funding to provide a sensory area for kids with needs. There are a significant number of kids with those needs in many schools throughout the county.I hope the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Humphreys, will look favourably on the application.

I concur with the comments made by Senator Buttimer and I apologise to him as I was giving someone details while he was speaking. I pay tribute to the Cathaoirleach for inviting Congressman Neal here yesterday. It was a fantastic day for this House. The United States of America has made a massive contribution to the Good Friday Agreement and, ultimately, peace in this country. It was an honour for me to be here when Congressman Neal spoke and to be in the presence of other members of his committee.

I pay tribute to the Cathaoirleach on the work he has done for Irish-American relations. It is extremely important that we create links, which he spoke about, with, say, local authorities and state legislators throughout the US to make sure Ireland is always at the top of the agenda in America because many people in the House of Representatives and Senate have strong Irish-American links. If we do not maintain those links, they will weaken over time. We see how important those links are every St. Patrick's Day. Ireland is one of very few countries that gets the opportunity to meet the US President and we want that to continue. I pay tribute to the Cathaoirleach for the work that he has done, and continues to do, to foster links. I look forward to working with him to create links with my own county of Longford and, in particular, I wish to mention state of Maryland as it has very strong links to County Longford.