Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I made most of my main points before the interruption for the vote. Like so many others here I see a clear case for opening a passport office in the Six Counties. I know many people, particularly from the North, are watching this debate. They will be very disappointed to hear a Fianna Fáil Minister of State disagree with people from so many parties in the Chamber. As I was saying, Senator Joe O'Reilly made the most powerful point of the evening so far when he asked what the Minister of State will do about this. Unfortunately the answer coming back from him seems to be "nothing". The logic of the case made by the Minister of State suggests that we should close the Cork passport office. Is this really where Fianna Fáil stands on this issue? I hope and expect to hear better from the next speaker, Senator Wilson.