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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Future immigration policy

Summary

Senator Sheahan asks for an early debate on immigration policy, warning that economic recovery could bring large inflows without adequate capacity in housing, education and health services.

I raise an issue that is coming down the track and which could cause serious problems, that is, immigration policy, on which a debate is warranted in the very near future. Statistics from the Department of Finance and elsewhere show that the country is on an upward swing. There is an old saying that a rising tide lifts all boats. I hope that, on foot of the improvement in our financial circumstances, people will come home from Australia, America, Canada and other places and benefit. I am fearful, however, that there is nothing in place to prevent 40,000 or 50,000 of our European neighbours coming to the country to benefit from this upward trajectory in our financial status. European law is what must be tackled in this regard as there is nothing to stop immigrants arriving at any time. We need control and even to be selfish to bring back our own people from far-flung places.

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Is the Senator saying it is okay for people to move to America and Canada?

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator Tom Sheahan to continue, without interruption.

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We do not have the capacity in the education system, the health system and housing supply. I urge the Leader to arrange a debate on the issue as soon as possible. Perhaps my thought structure or approach might be simplistic, but a certain reservation is needed in this area.

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