Patricia Stephenson (Social Democrats)

I appreciate that the wording of the amendment would tie the Minister to obligations that are outside her remit. Before Report Stage, will she look at finding a wording that would hold the Department to a commitment to ongoing dialogue with neighbouring states, in recognition of the large number of Irish citizens, as Senator Boyhan described so eloquently, who were forced to flee there because of their experience in the State? I am asking that we explore options for wording that would express the Department's commitment to ongoing dialogue. I realise that such dialogue takes place on an ongoing basis with our closest neighbours on lots of different issues but in the context of how many people this affects and in recognition of the particular challenges survivors may face in their elder years, giving an explicit commitment to dialogue with foreign states in this regard might go some way to demonstrating the Government's commitment to ensure survivors do not lose out.