Berlin and refugee policy
Senator Mulherin condemned the Berlin attack and argued for a wider debate on refugee numbers and policy.
I join other Members in their expressions of solidarity to the people of Berlin and the families affected by last night's events. I also extend my sympathy to them. These acts of terror are against humanity and the values we have cultivated, particularly in the West. We have to stand strong against them. Obviously, it is a complex issue. It is safe to say Germany, in the context of its refugee policy, thought it knew what it was doing, but clearly it does not. There has to be a wider debate, particularly on the issue of numbers. The idea that numbers do not matter and that doors should be opened without any restraint has been challenged by these events.
I support Senator Gabrielle McFadden. There are 200 young men due to come here. Some of the countries from which they will come are war zones. Somalia is a lawless country. The people mentioned are coming from different cultures. We can only begin to imagine what it takes for a young person to survive in a camp like that in Calais. One can only imagine what has happened to these young people and how traumatised they are. There is a real need for them to be given access to psychological services.
In the new year I would like the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, to attend the House to allay fears arising from the news that 27,000 householders have been affected by a fault in electricity meters owned by ESB Networks. The meters have been over-recording the amount of electricity used. We know that any interference with the meters is an offence. However, in this case, people could be out of pocket. We want to know that they will be refunded in an open and transparent way and also, if it can be identified, the extent to which people have been overcharged. There are legitimate questions for the Minister, in conjunction with ESB Networks, to answer. The matter must be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.