Refugee detention and deportation
Senator Davitt criticises Ireland’s treatment of refugees and raises concerns about proposed deportation measures based on limited intelligence.
Something caught my eye yesterday and some of the other Senators have touched on it today. We are aware that we have an horrific record in relation to refugees, an issue we have debated on numerous occasions. I have witnessed this at first hand in Athlone and again in Mosney. I could only describe them as detention centres. I was concerned yesterday to read that the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, had been talking of deportation and other measures in relation to extremist sympathisers. She said she would make no apologies, on limited intelligence, which was not enough to bring a case to extradite. I know that a strong hand is needed with people who break the law. There is no doubt about that and no stronger supporter of that principle than me. However, I am concerned that the Minister would turn into a judge and jury. I would like her to clarify the Government's position. Perhaps she was misquoted, but I would be concerned if everything I read was correct.