Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before I call the Minister of State, I wish to thank him for his work in this area. In fact, I was happy to be appointed by Micheál Martin in 2013 to the role of spokesperson for the Irish overseas and the diaspora. Fianna Fáil was the first political party to come up with the spokespersonship for that particular role. We developed a policy paper regarding the matter. The number one item was the appointment of a Minister of State for the Irish overseas and the diaspora, so I am delighted to see the Deputy Richmond as the successor to Jimmy Deenihan, my own county man, who was the first Minister of State in that position. It is a very important role and I know that he is doing a great job in it. Long may that continue.