Voting rights for the Irish diaspora
Senator Heffernan congratulates London’s GAA team, highlights the strength of the diaspora and says its contribution supports extending voting rights to Irish citizens abroad.
I congratulate the Cathaoirleach, a Mayo man, on his win at the weekend. It was a proud day for everyone in London's GAA circles who have done a great deal of work down the years. It is good to see that work bearing some fruit. The situation is a good indication of the size of our diaspora, given the fact that a team can return and compete with the best. This strengthens the argument for voting rights to be provided to such people.
I join colleagues in welcoming Senator Naughton to the House. It is a proud day for her and her family and I hope that she enjoys it. However, it raises questions about why the Taoiseach would bother appointing someone to a House that he seems adamant about abolishing.
I wish to refer to scenes in the Chamber last week when Standing Orders were suspended. Normally, they are only suspended at a time of national emergency. What transpired last week did not constitute a national emergency.
