Migration debate
Robert Troy said Ireland is enriched by diversity but argued for a fair, informed debate on migration and international protection. The Taoiseach agreed that such a debate should happen and stressed the need for factual accuracy.
I listened to the Taoiseach's responses earlier and I agree that, as a country, we are far richer because of the diversity of the people who have chosen to live here and call this country their home. The Government's response to those seeking international protection has been largely comprehensive given the huge numbers. That said, challenges remain, such as in seeking appropriate accommodation. The Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, brought forward a proposal to impose a 90-day limit. Another challenge is that some seeking international protection have come from safe countries and already have protection in other safe countries. A further challenge is the time it takes for an application to be processed. We need a fair, compassionate, balanced and realistic debate in this House. If we do not have that debate in this House, we run the risk of leaving the debate to people on the extremes and that could be dangerous. I support the calls made earlier today for us to initiate a debate on this matter in the near future.
Comment on this
The Deputy is absolutely right. I would welcome such a debate. I agree it should be fair, balanced and measured. It is also important that it be informed. I am not an expert on immigration law, but I worry when I hear Members of this and the other House mixing up international protection with temporary protection or EEA with EU. We in this Chamber are well paid and we all have a duty to understand the facts and know the basics around migration. I certainly agree we should have a debate.