Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish the family well and welcome them.

I would also like to join Leas-Chathaoirleach in congratulating Croatia in its national day and in welcoming the ambassador to the Seanad. As the convenor of the Ireland-Georgia Friendship Group, I want to take the opportunity to wish the Georgian people well on this, the 31st anniversary of independence, and the 26th year of diplomatic relations with Ireland. Georgia, too, is a country that has been invaded by Russia. The invasion took place on 8 August 2008. The Russians continue to occupy a major part of Georgia. It should not be forgotten. We must also not forget that Georgia has applied for membership of the EU. It is endeavouring to fulfil all of the obligations required for that process. We should support Georgia. We would like to see Georgia, along with its neighbours, join the EU as soon as possible.

I wish to comment on the matter raised today by Senator Craughwell and other colleagues, including the leader of my group, welcoming the fact that PDFORRA has been given temporary membership of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. I welcome that and look forward to it becoming permanent. I agree with the points made by colleagues in relation to RACO. It should now be given the same opportunity to represent its members. The dilly-dallying needs to stop. It is important that it happens, and happens immediately. Finally, I wish to discuss passports. All colleagues, including myself, receive multiple representations on a daily basis. Quite a few of those representations in my area come from residents of the North of Ireland. Therefore, I think that it is time that we tackled the situation once and for all by establishing a passport presence in Belfast.