Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

Before I call the next speaker, I welcome to the Public Gallery Mr. Charles King, a guest of Deputy James O'Connor, and Ms Ann and Mr. Billy Chambers, guests of Deputy Noel McCarthy. I also welcome the representatives of the Irish Countrywomen's Association, ICA, from Donaghmede, who are guests of Deputy Tom Brabazon.

I also welcome the guests of Senator O'Loughlin, the mayor of Freehold, New Jersey, Mr. Kevin Kane, and his wife, Ellen. They are here to sign a twinning agreement on Friday night between Freehold and Senator O'Loughlin's home town of Rathangan. Twinning between towns in Ireland and the United States of America was discussed this morning at a briefing by the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The twinning came about because of The Boss - not Senator O'Loughlin but Bruce Springsteen. His great-great-grandmother, Ann Geraghty, came from Rathangan. The twinning group will be, and has been doing, great work over the past two years. We will welcome The Boss when he plays in Rathangan some time in the near future.