Shane Curley (Fianna Fail)

I would like to be associated with the condolences to Senator Costello on the loss of her dad. It is a very sad time for her. I would also like to say my own hello to Mr. Ken Kerr. As someone who lived for quite a while in Maryland, it is great to have him here today.

I wish to raise the issue of critical skills visas for drivers coming into this country to drive trucks for road haulage companies. The Garda National Immigration Bureau carries out the initial background check on these licences before people come into the country. The RSA then duplicates that process. Why are two State bodies operating in silos and not communicating with each other? The RSA process can take up to six months. Drivers are left sitting in yards unable to get into the cabs of trucks for a full six months while the RSA carries out a process that has already been done by the immigration bureau. I do not understand that. It takes 12 weeks on average but can take up to six months in Ireland while it takes the department of transport in Poland an average of one month. Why are we, in some cases, six times slower than Poland? Can we eradicate the RSA duplication all together?

I would also like to welcome Senator Andrews back. What he did was very brave, fair play to him. What has gone on over the last two years is so sad. I echo the sentiments of Senator Stephenson that Ireland could play a very key role in both establishing and maintaining peace in Palestine. We have a very comparable history on this island when it comes to peace and we could play a very key role in the peace process over there. I hope that they can have a future of peace in the Middle East.