Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Tánaiste and commend her on her appointment. She is a regular visitor to the Seanad so I am not surprised that she chose to initiate this important legislation in the Seanad. I was confused, as I have the justice portfolio and I think it concerns that area as much as social welfare. It is most certainly a civil rights issue.

The Tánaiste and Senator Power have in the past spoken publicly and very movingly and forcefully on this issue. I am sure we would all wholeheartedly agree with them that this is the right thing to do.

As stated by Senator Ó Clochartaigh, some pre-legislative consultation on this legislation would have been helpful. I do not believe people really understand how important this is. Marriages of convenience have taken place in this State. That is shocking and it continues to happen. I believe this to be an abuse of not only vulnerable Irish citizens but vulnerable people from abroad hoping to obtain citizenship here. I welcome that this issue is being addressed.

I agree with Senator Ó Clochartaigh's remarks in regard to people in direct provision. I have previously stated and will reiterate again in the presence of the Tánaiste as deputy Head of Government that what is happening in this regard is a scandal happening on our watch.